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Off-grid grower Robert Ronke shares his secrets to success with Food2Soil biofertiliser
It’s planting time in Far North Queensland, and Robert Ronke is in full swing on his off-grid, 5-acre market garden. With just a narrow two-month window to get seedlings in before the tropical heat returns, Robert’s days are packed with prepping beds, soaking seeds, and feeding the soil with Food2Soil’s living biofertiliser – a key part of his growing success.
Located on a 20-acre property, Robert and his wife have dedicated 5 acres to growing Asian vegetables and 2 acres to fruit trees. It’s been a long journey to build up the soil, but according to Robert:
“Food2Soil's biofertiliser made the process a lot easier. Fantastic product!”
A former chef who spent over 45 years travelling and cooking across Asia and Australia, Robert now applies that same passion and precision to his land.
The couple live fully off-grid, powered by solar energy with a solar bore pump for water, and even a dam stocked with red claw yabbies and fish. Their self-sufficient lifestyle is centred around living lightly on the land – and growing as much of their own food as possible.
What’s in the ground this season?
One acre is dedicated to seed-raising. Robert saves and dries seed from last season’s crops, then soaks them in Food2Soil biofertiliser – especially pumpkin, long beans, and shallots – to boost germination rates.
The rest of the block is filled with some of the easiest plants to grow in the tropics: bok choy, choi sum, water spinach, long beans, and the green-skinned Asian eggplants (that turn yellow when they over-ripen).
He’s also added cherry and pink Asian tomatoes for a bit of niche appeal at local markets. In between rows, you’ll find fruit trees like mango, dragon fruit, starfruit, hog plum, and the striking Davidson plum. The moringa tree – known as the “tree of life” – is another favourite, prized for its long pods and nutrient-rich leaves that also have medicinal properties.
Why Food2Soil biofertilisers works so well here
Bulk mulching is essential in Robert’s termite-prone area, so he uses sugarcane mulch – affordable, local, and effective. But it’s the microbial power of Food2Soil All-Purpose Biofertiliser that’s made the biggest difference.
Robert used to rely on blood and bone, but says the living microbes in Food2Soil have completely changed how his garden grows. Just weeks after planting, eggplants are already taking off – and more produce is on the way.
And now he’s sharing the benefits beyond his own garden:
“I’ve come on board with Food2Soil to sell the product at markets across North Queensland. I believe in it – it works on all soils, and it helps keep food and coffee waste out of landfill. Happy soil, happy planting!”
📞 Robert Ronke – 0407 639 117
📍 Based in Far North Queensland
🧺 Available for local markets (call to confirm)
Sowing calendar for vegetables in Australian tropical zone
A straightforward calendar that outlines the optimal sowing times for various vegetables in Australia's tropical zones. Ideal for quick reference and planning.