Peter Smith - Fusion Farmer - 2:00pm Sunday 14^th February 2010

Peter Smith has recently rejoined SCPA after many years in the 'wilderness'. He is keen to help regenerate some of the vitality that came to SCPA via field days, where members and friends gathered to share knowledge and companionship.

Peter calls himself a Fusion Farmer, as he applies a variety of philosophies and methods, old and new, in developing and maintaining his small acreage at Burragate. His aim is to grow a wide variety of herbs, fruits and vegetables for personal sustainability, as well as providing a small income.

One of the 'older' methods he applies is long rotations, with cover crops of rye, corn, vetch and subterranean clovers, along with native grasses and contemporary weeds. This has been particularly useful in bringing cultivation to 'hungry' ground. In the tradition of all good farmers, Peter takes careful notice of natural elements and processes. For example he noticed stinging nettle protected broad-beans and clover from rabbits. He now uses stinging nettle as a form of natural pest control.

Peter has been studying and practising agriculture and horticulture for over 30 years, resulting in extensive knowledge of the bio-chemical principles as applied to soils and vegetation, similar to those prescribed by Albrecht. He uses mostly organically sourced products, such as fulvic acid and potassium humate, derived from lignite (brown woody coal). Fertigation (fertilising via irrigation) is one method for delivering these and stimulating soil life. He uses a variety of watering systems, trickle, trench (ponding), sprinkler, and natural seepage. He also uses a range of slow release minerals.

Peter has an interesting story to tell in bringing his rough bush block to a fertile garden over 8 years.

Now producing a wide range of vegetables including potatoes, silver beet, pumpkins, cucumbers, parsley, spring onions, snow peas and broad beans. Along with a selection of fruit trees, specialising in figs, Young berries and boysenberries. All of which he seasonally sells via the Wyndham Market, Wyndham General Store and Pambula Supermarket, as well as other local outlets.

For more of Pete's story join us at 2:00pm Sunday 14^th February 2010 for a walk & talk, plus afternoon tea. Peter Smith's address is Davidson St, Burragate (off Burragate Rd). Burragate Rd runs south off Mt Durragh Rd about 3kms east of Wyndham. Enter via track to east off Burragate Rd about 250ms before intersection with Big Jack Mtn Rd.
Please confirm your attendance by phoning Pete on 6496 7276 or e-mailing info(at)scpa.org.au

A map can be downloaded HERE.