| 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.
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