VIEW OUR FARM

Making and spreading compost was a major project when we first started on the farm.  Five years of this raised the organic matter from 2 1/2% to 3 1/2% and optimized fertility levels.  Our flavours and shelf-life demonstrate this improvement.  We maintain soil fertility by adding a "dusting" of composted hay every six years in our rotation.

We maintain our all-important organic matter by growing cover crops every other year.  We prefer Annual Rye and Hairy Vetch through the winter.

We choose Oats, Peas, Beans and Barley for autumn and spring.

Sorghum, Peas and Sunflower grow 6 feet in 6 weeks through the summer.

These are chopped down to feed the beneficial organisms in the soil.  Then these organisms in turn provide fertility for our plants.

The "trash" is disced into the soil for quick breakdown.

Weed control is our main challenge.  This Undercutting Knife is our most effective, yet simple, tool for taming small weeds.

Our 50's Allis G Cultivating Tractor has done its job well for many many years.

A modern version of the old-fashioned Wheel Hoe effectively perfoms precision cultivation.

Our cropping fields are located between the sorghum/sunflower-filled cover-cropping fields.  Healthy soil (and therefore healthy plants) mean insect pests are no longer much of a concern.

Irrigation (often with a beautiful rainbow) keeps our plants healthy.

We always choose the best tasting varieties.  Pole Beans are a lot of extra work, but you tell us the flavour makes it worthwhile.

Summer Greenhouses make the best tasting heat-loving Heirloom Tomatoes.

Shade Houses with a fabric insect barrier reduce heat for cool-loving Mustards and Arugulas.

Asparagus (yes this is what it looks like during the summer) is regenerating for its annual Spring Sprouting.

Summer fields are quickly growing for the Fall Root Vegetable Harvest.

Packing Roots in the Root Cellar is a major Fall project.

We heat the winter greenhouses throughout each winter.  To minimize the propane heating, we only grow varieties that thrive in cooler conditions.

Light is the main growth restrictor through the winter, so we must keep the light reflecting snow off the clear polyethelene.

Winter growing has few pest or irrigation problems, but some weeding is still necessary.

Seedlings are grown in trays for easier seeding, watering and harvesting.  We have been recycling the soil with no added fertility for over 20 years.  Grow Lights augment the light during the winter months.

Our Root Cellar keeps Root Vegetables in pristine condition through the winter months.