Passata, Pollinators & Produce: A Season of Success at The Cape Community Farm
The Cape Community Farm is more than just a place to grow food—it’s a thriving initiative that fosters sustainability, connection, and education. With over 80 members, the farm is dedicated to zero food miles, reducing packaging waste, and growing fresh, chemical-free produce without pesticides. It provides a space for people to come together, supporting better mental health and a healthier way of living.
Designed to be water-efficient, drought-resistant, and adaptable to a changing climate, the farm incorporates an extensive network of innovative Foodcube wicking beds. The effectiveness of these beds has been particularly evident during the recent hot summer months, with the wicking beds ensuring consistent hydration from the roots up helping to generate bountiful crops. Combined with rainwater harvesting systems and composting facilities, the farm provides an ideal environment for growing fresh, chemical-free produce while significantly reducing water waste and environmental impact.
The hot house enables the efficient germination of seedlings, ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce. The farm’s most recent addition, the Pod, is a multi-purpose building that provides a weatherproof space for propagation, workshops, and farm-related activities. It also serves as an office for the farm’s dedicated farmer, supporting the administration and planning of the ever growing farm.
A key highlight of the farm is its Capiary, a dedicated space for beekeeping that plays an essential role in supporting pollination across the farm. Using a Kenyan top-bar hive, the farm promotes natural beekeeping practices, ensuring the bees can move freely and thrive in a well-designed environment. The hive’s built-in viewing window allows for easy observation of the bees as they fill the comb with nectar, offering a fascinating insight into the first stages of honey production. While honey is a natural by-product, the primary focus is to encourage pollination, contributing to healthier, more productive crops.
Beyond providing fresh, nutritious food, the Cape Community Farm fosters a strong sense of community. It serves as a gathering place where residents of all ages come together to share knowledge, learn new skills, and celebrate seasonal harvests. From hands-on gardening to interactive workshops on food preservation, the farm is a hub of activity, reinforcing the benefits of sustainable living.
One of the most recent events this year was the Passata Day, where over 100 members of the community recently gathered to take part in the age-old Italian tradition of passata making.More than 100kg of farm-grown tomatoes were harvested and transformed into over 200 bottles of rich, homemade passata. From washing and chopping tomatoes to bottling and labelling, the farm buzzed with activity as families, friends, and neighbours worked side by side. As the sauce simmered, participants enjoyed wood-fired pizzas, great conversation, and a shared sense of accomplishment.
Events like Passata Day embody the farm’s core values—bringing people together, reducing food waste, and celebrating the joy of homegrown produce. “It’s fantastic to see the farm being used in this way,” said Adrian James, The Cape’s resident farmer. “We’ve had a hugely successful summer of growing, with not just tomatoes but also an impressive harvest of cucumbers. Seeing so many people come together to celebrate fresh, homegrown food is what the farm is all about.”
Following the success of Passata Day and the Pickling and Preserving Workshop, the farm is looking forward to hosting more events that bring the community together. With upcoming workshops on sourdough baking and additional opportunities for residents to engage in growing and harvesting, The Cape Community Farm continues to be a thriving space where people can connect, learn, and experience the rewards of growing their own food.
For those interested in being part of a community that values sustainability, connection, and the joy of growing food, The Cape Community Farm welcomes new members year-round. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner eager to learn, there’s a place for everyone.
For more information or to get involved, visit capecommunityfarm.org.au or follow Facebook to stay updated on upcoming events and activities.
