We are passionate about organic farming. Since we first started more than 25 years ago, Jekka’s Herb Farm has always grown organic herbs and is certified by the Soil Association.
"When I first started growing herbs organically I was thought eccentric,” remembers Jekka, “but now more and more people are aware of the benefits of foods grown free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals.Our peat-free status is simply an extension of this, as the idea that using a non-renewable resource in our gardens becomes more unacceptable.”
When Jekka first started growing herbs organically, she was swimming against the tide of mass production of supermarket herbs. Today the world has caught on to the overriding benefits of organically grown produce.
What does it mean?
Our herbs are grown free from pesticides, herbicides and other harmful chemicals andwe use only organically certified products, and plant feeds which do not contain manufactured nitrates.
We use peat-free compost based on wood fibre and bark.
We further extend our green farming principles by recycling all plastic, cardboard and paper.
Our plants are slow-grown seasonally with minimal use of artificial heat, thereby minimising our carbon footprint.
We are continuously investing in organic farming principles in terms of research, staff training and plant equipment.
What are the benefits?
There is no danger of contamination from chemicals before you touch, eat or use our herbs medicinally.
Slow-grown herbs are hardy, long lasting, and more likely to flourish in our climate than force grown herbs.
Some studies have shown that organic food may have a higher nutritional content than artificially grown produce.
Seasonal, locally grown herbs not only reduce the carbon footprint, but are already acclimatised and therefore more likely to survive than those grown overseas.
Organic methods encourage beneficial insects and wildlife, thereby increasing biodiversity, maintaining the healthy natural balance of predator and pest.
If you continue to grow organically after purchasing our herbs, your garden will soon be teeming with wildlife – bees, butterflies and birds - which will increase the productivity and health of your plants.
We firmly believe that they taste better too!
All of the images above were taken on-site here at the farm, and we receive regular visitations from birds, bees, butterflies, frogs, ducklings, newts et al!
Just as life is a cycle, so too is the garden. Organic principles respect the environment by working in close harmony with the cycles of nature.
In the organic garden, herbs are one of the most beneficial plants you can grow. Organic herbs attract insects, bees, birds and butterflies, enhancing pollination and increasing yields. By growing your herbs organically, you not only create a beautiful garden teeming with wildlife, you also increase the productivity and health of the plants you grow.
