Vegetable growing
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The Mansfield region is home to many small acreage landholders exploring small business opportunities on their plots. While vegetable production typically requires large spaces and significant resources, bio-intensive growing methods have revolutionised vegetable cultivation approaches. Most store-bought vegetables are produced at scale using hybrid seeds. However, heirloom vegetable growing, once considered niche, is proving increasingly successful.
THE SOLUTION
Nothing beats home-grown veggies, bursting with flavour and diversity. Red spring onions, Golden beetroot, Purple broccoli and Royal Oak lettuce are just some of the remarkable vegetables that Simone Boyd of Heirloom Naturally wants everyone to experience. Growing up with a veggie patch on a quarter-acre block in inner Melbourne, Simone developed her passion for growing food. "The process of growing life from a tiny seed into something that can nourish you is very rewarding," she says.
Simone's dream was to grow heirloom vegetables commercially. After purchasing 17 acres near Mansfield, she took the plunge. Her interest in heirloom vegetables stems from their preserved seeds, passed down through generations worldwide. This heritage, combined with superior flavour, creates a viable niche market.
THE IMPACT
Simone employs bio-intensive growing methods to avoid chemicals and artificial inputs. This approach relies on fertile soils, companion planting and crop rotations to produce healthy plants and reduce pest and disease risks. Seedlings are planted closely in deep, healthy soils, promoting downward root growth while the foliage acts as natural mulch, shading and cooling the soil while suppressing weeds.
To minimise plastic use, Simone uses soil blocking for seed raising, combining compost and coconut fibre to create growing blocks. Once seedlings germinate, the entire block is planted, reducing pot-bound risks while adding nutrients to the soil.
This hands-on growing method avoids mechanical tillage, promoting healthy soil structure. Using only hand tools for planting and maintenance results in minimal soil cultivation. Simone considers herself a 'nanna at heart', finding joy in getting her hands dirty and reconnecting with traditionally grown vegetables.
