About Growable

Who We Are

We are Craig and Caroline Hind, and we live and work in North-West Lutruwita/Tasmania, Australia. At our home, we have converted the back yard to a small urban farm that we lovingly call “Leatherwood Farm”. While we grow a huge amount of food we don’t sell produce commercially, rather it’s for our own use and to share with friends and our community.

We are advocates for sustainable foods and are strong believers in knowing and trusting what you eat. Leatherwood Farm is an extension of this philosophy, where we practice what we preach, growing as much food as we can for the table. Family owned and run, Growable is also an extension of our strive for sustainability, not just environmentally, but financially. All the owners are active in the business, working in every aspect from sourcing stock, to manufacturing products to delivering products to our customers. When you contact us through any of our channels you will be talking to one of the owners.

We’re big supporters of sustainable energy, recycling and sustainability in general.

Here’s a webcam image from our farm:

Thank you for your interest in and support of Growable, it means a lot to us.

Our Purpose

We’re always honest and transparent, so there’s no shame in admitting that our primary goal is to be self-sufficient financially, and to break out of the traditional 9 to 5. We still work regular jobs (in IT), but are working to make this our full time venture.

In addition to this though, we wanted to make sure that the Charles Dowding and Huw Richards seedling trays remain available to Australian and Kiwi customers in the long term. They are such good products that we couldn’t bear to see them become unavailable here.

We’ve made other products available too because we want to cover as many bases as possible when it comes to growing edible plants. We exist to help you from the seed sowing stage to the time the plant goes in the ground. All the other products that we sell are to help you get those plants in the ground, and help us to maintain a healthier bottom line by adding more products that you might find interesting.

Our gardening journey began like yours probably did – the simple desire to grow a few plants. Those early grows opened our eyes to a different approach to life: growing our own food, flowers, and cultivating a beautiful space to live in.

As our experience grew in the garden, we realised that a lot of the products on the market fell short of our expectations on quality, ease of use, and durability.

Next, we turned to sourcing gardening products that are actually designed by gardeners. Every product we stock in our store is hand-selected and if it doesn’t meet our standards we don’t carry it in our store.

Brief History

Growable began in 2025 when the only supplier of the Charles Dowding and Huw Richards trays announced that they may not be continuing once their stock had run out. We didn’t want to see that happen so contacted Containerwise to become a second distributor of their products in Australia and New Zealand. They were happy to add us, and we placed our first sizeable order.

We’re aware that to a lot of people the Charles Dowding and Huw Richards trays are quite expensive, not helped at all by the cost of shipping from the UK, the exchange rate, money changing fees, customs duties and import fees. So we wanted to offer some other budget friendly options too in the form of the Garden City Plastics range.

Then we thought, why not add some general garden products that we think look durable and of a good quality, but that won’t break the bank, and we started to stock some those too.

We’d also seen that Bootstrap Farmer recommended the Kwazar range of sprayers and had to have some of those in stock so we contacted Kwazar in Poland and bought some of their quality sprayers. They have a gardening range and a more chemical resistant professional range. All we could source was the professional range, but that’s ok because they should stand up to the elements even better. We were tired of buying the cheap, poor quality sprayers that you can get from other big store retailers, and we’ve been very happy with the Kwazar range.

Next up we want to design and stock our own range of quality trays and pots that we can be truly proud of.

As a small, family owned business we appreciate and value our customers at a very personal level. We operate in a tough economic environment. We aim to always act with integrity and fairness, and are always looking at ways we can offer more value to our customers.

Company Values

We Stock What We Use

We are also growers! We lovingly tend to our garden that same way you do yours. We ensure that we stock the best quality products that we’re either using ourselves, or are satisfied will provide you with a quality experience. If we have reports that a particular product is not living up to the quality that we expect it will be removed from sale.

We Only Stock Quality Items

100% satisfaction is guaranteed. If you’re unhappy with any of the products you’ve bought from us we definitely want to know about it so we can make it right.

We’re Local (or Localish)

We pack and ship your orders right from our home in Tasmania. We’re an Australian family owned and operated company who also has a strong connection to Aotearoa New Zealand. While the products we sell may not have been made in Australia or New Zealand, we strive to find as many quality products that are.

Radical Transparency

We don’t keep anything secret, and try to put as much information as possible on our online store site, but if there’s anything you can’t find or want to know about, just let us know.

Sustainability

At Growable, our commitment to the environment is as deep-rooted as the plants we and our customers grow. Living and working in Tasmania, surrounded by some of the world’s most pristine wilderness, we are acutely aware of our responsibility to protect our planet.

We believe that gardening should heal the earth, not harm it. This policy outlines our commitment to sustainable business practices, from our energy source to the products we choose to stock.

The science is clear. Humans have damaged this planet, but it isn’t the planet that is going to suffer, it is all the biological organisms that live on it that will, and that includes us. However not all is lost, and we can still minimise the damage, but we have to work fast, and work together.

The largest problem (one amongst many) is too much carbon.

Humans are emitting far too much carbon into the atmosphere, and it’s destabilising Earth’s climate. We need to reduce carbon emissions to limit warming to 1.5°C, as called for in the Paris Agreement.

At every step across our supply chain and operations, we’re working to reduce our impact on the environment. We use a simple framework to guide our environmental and social efforts, which are aligned to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (https://sdgs.un.org/goals). We also subscribe to New Zealand’s Tiaki Promise. (https://www.tiakinewzealand.com)

We’re focused on fewer inputs and cleaner outputs – reducing natural resource consumption and minimising waste and pollution.

Energy & Operations

We are proud to operate an energy efficient business.

100% Renewable Power: Our office and facilities are powered entirely by solar energy stored in a battery, and excess sold to the national grid. We’ve put enough solar power back into Tasmania’s energy grid that on dull days we have enough credit to purchase hydroelectric and wind energy (of which Tasmania has a lot). We do not rely on fossil fuels for our daily electricity needs.

Between November 2024 and November 2025 we:

Generated 13,358KWh of electricity from solar
Drew 2,852KWh of electricity from the Tasmanian electricity grid
Sent 4,971KWh of electricity to the Tasmanian electricity grid
Used 8,387KWh of our own electricity for home and business operations

This means we sent 2,119KWh of electricity surplus to our needs to the grid, helping to provide renewable energy to Australians.

Digital-First Approach: We operate a paperless office wherever possible. Invoices, receipts, and picking lists are handled digitally to reduce paper waste. Where we do have to use paper, we try to make sure that it is post-consumer waste recycled paper.

Energy Efficiency: We make sure that our energy efficiency is a good as it can be and ensure we are only using power when necessary.

Product Philosophy: “Buy Once, Buy Well”

We actively fight against the “throwaway culture” of modern consumerism. We acknowledge that some of our products (like seedling trays) are made of plastic, but we distinguish between single-use plastic and lifetime tools.

Longevity over Landfill: We stock brands like Containerwise because they are designed to last for 15+ years. By selling one high-quality tray, we prevent the manufacture and disposal of hundreds of flimsy, single-use alternatives over a gardener’s lifetime.
Repairability: We prioritise tools (like our secateurs and shears) that can be disassembled, sharpened, and repaired, rather than replaced.
Material Selection: We favour products made from durable materials like carbon steel, untreated wood, and recycled robust plastics.

End-of-Life Stewardship

We think about what happens when a product reaches the end of its life.

Recyclability: The plastic trays we sell are made from materials that are widely recyclable at the end of their very long life.
Compostability: Some plastic products may be made from PLA (polylactic acid) which is plant-based and biodegradable primarily in commercial compost facilities, or home-based hot compost systems.
Tool Maintenance: We offer advice and products (like sharpening stones) to extend the lifespan of your purchase indefinitely.

Packaging & Shipping

We are committed to minimising the waste that ends up in your bin after a delivery.

The “Ugly Box” Initiative: We reuse clean cardboard boxes from our suppliers to ship your orders where possible. Your package might not look “brand new” on the outside, but reusing existing cardboard is the most sustainable option available.
Compostable Satchels: For smaller items (like gloves or markers), we use paper, or certified home-compostable shipping satchels that break down in your worm farm or compost pile.
Carbon Neutral Shipping: We partner with carriers that offset the carbon emissions of their deliveries, or we offset the delivery ourselves.
Batch Shipping: We encourage customers to bundle items into single shipments to reduce the number of delivery vehicles on the road.
Non “Ugly Box” Packaging: Small orders are packed in corrugated cardboard boxes, that are manufactured using at least 60% recycled materials and starch based adhesives, which means they can be easily and completely recycled at any paper recycling plant. Cardboard is biodegradable and will decompose naturally. The starch based adhesive used to hold the layers together is not harmful to the environment. Cardboard can also be composted.
Plastic-Free Packing: We use eco-friendly paper tape to securely seal our parcels. The tape is fully recyclable or can be composted. To help our products reach you in perfect condition, we use corrugated paper, which is manufactured with 100% recycled material and can be completely recycled or composted once used. We also use void fill to help protect the contents of our parcels in the event they are dropped in transit. The void fill material we use is manufactured from partially shredded paper or cardboard.
Other Packing Materials: Occasionally we may use non-recyclable packing material such as plastic bubble wrap. Please be assured this is material that has been used by our suppliers to transport goods to us. We never buy non-recyclable packaging but believe if a non-recyclable packing material already exists, we may as well reuse it.

Pledge 1%

Check our current donations here.

Giving Back Through Pledge 1%

We believe that being a business comes with a responsibility to the people, animals, and planet around us. That’s why we’ve taken the Pledge 1%, committing at least 1% of our annual profit to charities making a meaningful difference across three areas we care about: Human, Animal, and Environment.

It’s simple: when you shop with us, you help us give back.

What is Pledge 1%?

(https://www.pledge1percent.org)

Pledge 1% is a global movement inspiring companies to build social impact into their DNA from day one, by pledging a small portion of their success to charitable causes.

The Pledge: Companies commit to donating 1% of their equity, profit, product, or staff time to charitable causes. We’ve chosen to pledge at least 1% of our profit.
The Flexibility: Pledge 1% offers a sustainable, flexible framework that grows with the business, so companies of all sizes and stages can give in a way that’s meaningful and lasting.
The Impact: Since 2014, more than 19,000 companies across 130+ countries have joined the movement, igniting billions of dollars in new philanthropy.

Where Your Support Goes

Our giving is focused on three pillars, each covering the causes closest to our hearts.

Human: Supporting people and communities through homelessness, domestic violence, disaster relief, humanitarian aid, medical research, mental health, addiction, science, technology advancement, aged care and elderly support, emergency services, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Animal: Caring for both domestic animals and wildlife, from rescue and welfare through to habitat protection.

Environment: Protecting the natural world through land conservation and action on the climate emergency.

We do not donate to political parties or political campaigns.

The Benefits of Shopping With Purpose

When you choose us, you’re not just buying a great product, you’re helping fund causes that matter.

Every sale contributes to our ability to give back. 100% of our 1% commitment goes directly to charities working to create positive change.

Join Us in Making a Difference

We’re proud to stand alongside a worldwide network of companies who believe profit and purpose belong together. Our 1% commitment is an investment in a better future, and we couldn’t do it without you.

Ethics

Supply Chain & Ethical Sourcing

We care about where our products come from and the hands that made them.

Ethical Manufacturing: We try to source our products from manufacturers with strong records of fair labour practices and traditional craftsmanship.
Reducing Transport Miles: While we import specialised products, we bulk order to minimise the frequency of air and sea freight.
Supplier Standards: We prioritise suppliers who use recycled materials in their manufacturing process (e.g., recycled polypropylene for trays).

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and Modern Slavery

We are committed to fostering a workplace and a supply chain free from discrimination, inequality, and all forms of modern slavery. As a family-run business, we understand that our values are paramount, and we are dedicated to operating ethically, transparently, and with respect for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstance.

We believe that a diverse and inclusive approach benefits our family, our customers, and our community.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination: We are committed to treating all individuals with dignity and respect. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or victimisation based on characteristics including, but not limited to, race, colour, religion, national origin, age, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, disability, marital status, or veteran status.
Equitable Opportunity: We apply the principle of equity in all our operations. This means ensuring that everyone associated with our business – from family members and potential temporary hires to suppliers – has fair access to opportunities and resources.
Inclusive Environment: We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive online and operational environment where all family members, temporary staff, and customers feel valued, respected, and heard.

Modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. Even as a small operation, we take steps to ensure these practices have no place in our business or our supply chain.

Our Internal Operations (Family Business)

Voluntary Work: All work undertaken by family members or any occasional, temporary staff is voluntary and is compensated fairly and legally, meeting at least all minimum wage and employment standards applicable in our jurisdiction.
Freedom of Movement: We ensure all family members and staff are free to leave their employment after reasonable notice, as legally required.
No Child Labour: We strictly prohibit the employment of children below the minimum legal working age.

Our Supply Chain and Product Sourcing

We recognise that the risk of modern slavery is often higher in the supply chain where we source products for our online store.

Supplier Due Diligence: We will take reasonable steps, appropriate for the scale of our business, to verify the ethical sourcing practices of our key suppliers.
- For major or high-volume suppliers, we will preferentially engage with those who have their own clear anti-slavery statements or certifications.
- For smaller or craft suppliers, we will enquire about their manufacturing practices to ensure products are ethically made.
Contractual Requirement: Where possible, we require suppliers and partners to comply with all applicable laws concerning modern slavery, human trafficking, and forced labour.
Transparency and Trust: We will rely on establishing relationships built on trust and transparency with a limited number of reputable suppliers.

Reporting, Training, and Review

Reporting Concerns: Any family member, employee, or supplier who suspects a breach of this policy (either internally or in our supply chain) is encouraged to report it immediately. All reports will be handled confidentially and investigated thoroughly.
Training and Awareness: We will ensure that all family members involved in purchasing and supply chain management are aware of the risks of modern slavery and understand this policy.
Policy Review: This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its ongoing effectiveness and relevance to the scale and operation of our company.