A man has been jailed for five years for his part in growing a $10 million cannabis crop that was found in South Australia's Murray Mallee in 2011.

George Hatsiosifidis, 76, was previously found guilty of two counts of cultivating a commercial quantity of a controlled plant.

Sentencing him, Judge Paul Cuthbertson said Hatsiosifidis had acted as the gardener in tending to the crop of 3,000 plants, helping with irrigation and protection.

Judge Cuthbertson rejected Hatsiosifidis's claim he was on the property to assist in fencing work.

"I am satisfied you were assisting with the cultivation of the crop of cannabis, and you had spent a considerable amount of time on the property," he said.

He said Hatsiosifidis's assistance "included providing fresh vegetables for people who were assisting with the crop, and in relation to the irrigation and staking and general protection in growing the crop".

"I do not think you were a ringleader in relation to this crop, but I have no doubt that you well knew the nature of the enterprise that you were involved in was a very large one," Judge Cuthbertson said.

The court heard Hatisiosifidis had a previous conviction for a similar offence in the Sydney District Court in 2005, where he was sentenced to six years' jail with a two-year non parole period.

"It was clear your [previous] conviction and sentence was not enough to deter you from re-offending," Judge Cuthbertson said.

Hatsiosifidis was sentenced to five years' jail with a two-and-a half year non parole period.