Our Farming Methods

1. Careful historical documentation of all farm practices and nutrient sources.
2. Production and use of compost to enrich the soil.
3. Manures used for composting are from our animals or from nearby farms that are using sustainable methods.
4. Use green manure or cover crops.
5. All soil amendments used are within organic standards.
6. Using no-till where possible and implementing no-till into more fields, as tilling destroys soil structure and disturbs soil life.
7. Companion planting.
8. Give plants adequate space, as needed. Some plants benefit from close spacing, as they provide shade and keep soils cool.
9. Inspect crops frequently.
10. Selecting varieties resistant to disease, but in most cases making taste the priority.
11. All plants are insect and disease free at planting.
12. Weed management:
• Routine physical cultivation.
• Crop rotations.
• Mulches.
• Covering soil surface with plastic or fabric matting.
• Planting cover crops in combination with cultivation.
• Soil preparation - developing balanced nutrient levels, and incorporating green manure.
13. Clean up waste when fruiting or harvest is complete.
14. Pruning out infested plant parts.
15. Any sprays or treatments used on the farm are OMRI approved. Physical means of removing pests and disease are the first choice. We use timing, row covers, and trap covers every season. Many treatments are natural but damaging to “good” bugs as well as “bad” and are only used as a last resort.