Sustainably Grown Garlic.
We aim to avoid pests and diseases by only growing garlic in the same plot every three years; a method called crop rotation, and as old as agriculture itself. Natural straw is used as mulch, in an effort to suppress weeds, and help to keep the soil moist and cool.
The Farm.
Sassafras Meadows was established in early 2021 after a chance meeting with a local tradesperson who, together with his family, own a plot of land at Sassafras, NSW. Like so many other people, they were greatly affected by the devastating Black Summer bush fires in 2019/20, which swept through this part of the world. Their house burnt to the ground, and they have had to live elsewhere since then. Not only did they lose their home; every bit of bush and forest burnt and with it, most wildlife was lost. However, they have managed to hold onto the land, and indeed, why would you give up this lovely spot?! Three years in, the bush is slowly coming back and with it, wildlife. There’s plenty evidence of wombats, kangaroos, bandicoots and even emus now roaming around.
And in the midst of this bush-block is an open meadow; grasses growing on red volcanic soils, perfect for growing almost anything. It is my great fortune that the owners have been so very generous in letting me lease this little part of paradise. I enjoy it immensely whenever I work the dirt and watch the garlic grow; couldn’t call it anything but Sassafras Meadows!
2023 takes us into our third season where we have scaled up to now grow some 15-18,000 and we now grow in excess of 17,000 plants. Still much to learn; opposed to last year where we had excess rain, this year it’s lack of rain we’re dealing with. Always up for a challenge though.
Locally grown on the South Coast.
The Farmer.
I don’t much like talking about myself, only to say that I’m Stig (no, not that one!), and have grown plants most of my life. Born and raised on a dairy farm in Denmark, Europe, where I acquired my trade certificate in agriculture. My interest gradually shifted from cows to broad acre crops, but chance would have it that I ended up in Australia some 30-odd years ago. Until recently I spent all those years employed in botanic gardens, growing and learning about Australian native plants; a fantastic and rare opportunity I kind of stumbled into. But the love of growing crops always remained, and garlic it is!
The Apprentice.
Meet Floyd the Blue Heeler, our very own farm dog. When she isn’t chasing flies down at Sassafras Meadows you can find her dreaming about bouncy balls and how to get the most pats off people. Fortunately, garlic is not her favourite delicacy so she will leave it all for you!
