The Wingham Farmers’ Market will be held this Saturday, March 4.
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This month’s feature producer is Lee Fieldhouse from Islands in the Stream Vermiculture on Oxley Island.
As a vermiculturist, Lee uses compost worms to make garden products that help plants thrive.
He has a large greenhouse on his property with two 19 metre long worm beds which he uses for harvesting cast, and a number of smaller beds which he uses for growing worms.
He says that that’s just what he does on the surface, and what he actually thinks of it as is upcycling waste and producing friendly microbes - with the worms as his workforce.
His signature product, Biocast+, is a living liquid unlike anything else on the market, and also unlike what would come out the bottom of your home worm farm.
It contains a huge diversity of beneficial bacteria, fungi and protozoa, as well as enzymes, humates, naturally occurring acids and other plant growth stimulants.
Lee is very passionate about the essential role these microbes play in healthy soils and healthy plants.
“There’s a lot we don’t know about it yet” he said, “but the science shows that beneficial microbes allow the plant to access minerals in the soil, get water more easily, make the most of any fertilisers which are added, and fend off pests and diseases.”
“We haven’t met a plant which hasn’t loved them” he adds.
He says he’s had great feedback from locals who have used Biocast on all sorts of plants, including home veggie beds, struggling roses, freshly laid turf, garlic growers, flower growers, wine producers, pastoralists and more.
It’s also made from local ‘waste’ ingredients.
He gathers local vegetative waste, shreds cardboard boxes from four local businesses, and collects used coffee grounds from local cafes.
These ingredients are then composted to take care of any weeds and pathogens before being fed to the worms.
Lee says his favourite part of his business is helping people make growing easier.
He takes pride in offering a personalised service, so come along to the farmers’ market this saturday and have a chat with Lee about how Biocast might be able to help in your situation.
You can also find him on Facebook and through his website www.islandsinthestream.com.au.
Other market regulars include Graeme selling Greenpatch Organic Seeds, Lisa selling herbs and veggie seedlings, Del with flower seedlings and Peter selling mulch - making the markets a one stop shop for starting your autumn planting.
Wingham Farmers’ Market is at Wingham Showground, between 8am and noon.
If you have something to sell at the markets new stallholders are always welcome, with site fees waived at your first market. Direct stall holder enquiries to Annette on 6550 7213. Don’t forget if you have any excess produce to sell you can drop it at the community stall to sell on your behalf.
More information at www.winghamfarmersmarket.org.au and on Facebook.