Steven Hoepfna - Wagtail Urban Farm

Who are you?

We are a microscale market garden in the southern suburbs of Adelaide run by a small core group and a dynamic group of volunteers.  We focus on hands-on education and delivering the freshest and most nutrient dense veggies to our local community.

Where and what do you farm ?

We are located in the suburb of Mitchell Park, 15mins from the Adelaide CBD, We grow mostly leafy greens and are well known for our rich salad mix. We also grow Rhubarb, Asparagus, culinary and medicinal herbs, winter crops such as Kale, Celery, Asian greens, etc and in Summer months we always have Cucumbers, tomatoes and anything else that tickles our fancy. Rockmelons were a particular favourite this last season! (We're also trialling Bannansa and PawPaw and have plans to increase our fruiting trees on site.

How did you start your farming journey / what led you to it?

Back in 2010 I accidentally spilled some bird seed on my lawn in a rental unit on the Gold Coast and the Corn seeds sprouted from that mishap. Thus began a quest to grow an edible corn cob and here we are nearly 20yrs later working with community groups and being supported by the state government to teach more people to do the same.

Is it what you expected ?

It has been heart breaking in some ways (financial mostly) and full of wonder mostly. I still get a kick out of every seed that germinates. There's a pure joy in witnessing that transformation and then knowing the food is nourishing peoples bodies and lives.

Biggest learning curve so far ?

Definitely soil health. Realising that vitamin and mineral deficiencies in people directly relate to plant deficiencies which are due to poor soil was a real "ah-ha" moment. 

Who / what / why inspired you to get farming?

Serendipitous moments led me to take on bigger and bigger projects and those challenges always pushed me to learn more. Really the first guide on the path was Jimi Blake from Huntingbrook gardens in Co. Wicklow, Ireland when he taught me the basics of preparing a veggie bed. I'd never heard of a stirrup hoe until then.

What is your biggest milestone so far ?

Getting to the market on time! Always a challenge and a surprise.

What is the dream ?

I heard someone say once, "Be who you needed when you were younger". This is the dream for Wagtail. To be there and gates open for anyone that needs help to grow their own food.