About Meluka Farm

Our dream of owning a piece of land in the Midlands started many years ago, with a vision of living off the grid, self-sustained and in harmony with nature. We wanted a life rooted in clean water, green energy, home-grown food, and a commitment to regenerative farming principles.

 

In early 2020, that dream became a reality when we found 22 hectares nestled in the heart of the Dargle Valley. It was a raw, untouched landscape of scrub timber without a home on it and limited access to funds, but we were determined to make it work. Establishing our tea tree plantation on old timberland came with its challenges. Committed to soil health, we adopted a no-burn policy to protect our land and embraced mulching to retain moisture, prevent erosion, and build healthy soil. Every part of our land preparation, from clearing and planting to fertilizing and weeding, was done by hand, following contour lines for water retention and erosion control. The dedication of manual labor ensured that each tea tree plant had the best chance of thriving under our care.

 

After two long years, we proudly harvested our first tea tree crop, taking great care to protect the land that sustains us. The harvesting and extraction was done manually to prevent soil compaction. Our tea tree oil was then distilled locally and sent to a laboratory for testing, marking a significant milestone in our journey.

 

Balancing conservation with farming is a delicate task, but one we’ve committed to from the start. Invasive species were carefully cleared from valleys and hillsides, and an ongoing restoration program has allowed these areas to flourish once again. We’ve even turned woody material from riverine areas into charcoal, reducing the fuel load and making way for thriving, biodiverse habitats. Today, we’re starting to see water flow in previously dry streams, native plants and animals are returning, and balance is being restored.

 

Thank you for supporting our journey and for helping us continue our commitment to sustainable farming. Every bottle of our Tea Tree Oil tells the story of dedication, respect for nature, and a dream fulfilled.