HOW WE FARM

We use natural production methods designed to protect air and water quality while improving soil fertility with compost, mulch, and green cover crops.
Bed preparation in our gardens is based on two key plant needs; a loosened, well drained soil with good aeration, and a healthy abundance of organic matter to feed the life in the soil, including our plants.

We loosen and aerate our clay soil to a depth of one foot with a tool called a broadfork. Then, we edge out the bed, add about an inch of fine compost to the surface of the soil, and incorporate it lightly into the top few inches of the bed using a long-handled four-tine cultivator, or 'the claw.' Lastly, we rake the bed smooth to cut on moisture loss. This three-step process of soil-loosening, adding organic matter, and sculpting the bed to a smooth, fine surface creates a wonderful growing medium for just about anything, assuming the pH level is somewhere around neutral.

Air spaces in the loosened soil, as well as the added organic matter, both help to retain moisture and facilitate drainage in situations of excess or meager moisture. As a result, plant roots have continual access to the moisture they need, but can breathe and extend in search of nutrients. Soil aeration and compost also fuel a frenzy of microbial activity in the soil, and this activity unlocks even more soil nutrients for plants.

In addition to our bed preparation by hand, we maintain a good deal of diversity in the garden. That way, no matter what weather is thrown our way, something is bound to thrive. Diversity also helps with pest infestations. Certain pests like certain crops, so we can limit the scope of damage from a particular pest in any season. We feel that losing a planting here or there is okay. This year we had trouble with fall broccoli. But on balance, the pest damage has been minimal. A healthy mixture of vegetable plants, herbs and flowers creates the diverse environment that attracts the good guys - small birds, bees, lady bugs, and other beneficial creatures that collectively help facilitate pollination and feast on garden pests.

We constantly look at the bigger picture as we take a few losses each season for the sake of having a healthier, living garden whole. We believe that staying committed to diversity in our gardens, and focusing on satisfying the needs of our plants in a natural manner, will most always achieve an abundant bounty for the dinner table.

We clear any large-stemmed debris.

We use a broadfork to gently break up the soil about 1 foot deep.

We incorporate compost and mineral amendments to create rich, deep beds.

*Photos courtesy of Sophie Spiker, our 2007 Apprentice*