What We’re Planting In May
For farms across North America, there is much to plant in May. Growers in areas with hot summers still have time to sow crops that love the heat, while those with short seasons can get their autumnal crops going. Some crops should be transplanted, while others need to be sown directly. Aside from the local […]
Home Permaculture: A Conversation with Brandy Hall
Most people think of large acreage when they think about permaculture, but its principles can be just as successful in small home landscapes. Brandy Hall, permaculturalist and owner of landscaping company Shades of Green, works closely with clients to improve their landscapes while promoting a restorative way of life through permaculture practices. Author Brandy Hall, […]
On a Maine Farm, Regeneration Starts With the Sheep
Melissa Schneider didn’t set out to become a shepherdess. She left Los Angeles looking for something quieter. A life with a slower rhythm, a life closer to the ground. What she found on her Maine farm, Casa Portal, was a small herd of sheep and a much older story to step into. The herd is […]
April Seed Starting: What to Direct Sow vs. Plant Indoors
North American farms can still start seeds this month, no matter where. Having a good April seed-starting plan will eventually provide harvests for market or food for the people on the farm. The most important factors to consider are the local climate and the time required to grow the crop in question. In hot areas, […]
How to Kill Winter Crops Without Losing Soil Gains
There are multiple ways to kill cover crop plantings, each best suited to the specific crop grown and the local climate. While farmers can always use the seed packet to tell them when to terminate, there are nuances in timing and method to consider. Waiting too long or killing too soon can eliminate the soil […]
5 Ways Interseeding Can Change the Farming Landscape
You may already know about the most common form of interseeding, which often occurs in corn fields. Farmers who manage what were once massive monocrops of corn have begun to interplant various cover crops to feed livestock, provide additional revenue sources, attract pollinators, or add nutrients to the soil. This practice is also useful for small farms […]
11 Best Heirloom Tomatoes to Grow on the Farm
If you haven’t had the chance or pleasure to grow heirloom tomatoes, try it this year. There are slicers, beefsteaks, cherries, and more to explore when it comes to the passed-down, open-pollinated tomatoes out there. If you have grown them before, you may be interested in adding another variety. While older heirlooms may have widely […]
What to Plant in March: The Best Early Spring Crops
Farms across North America are well on their way to spring, but they’re not there just yet! It’s a good time to sow seeds of cool-weather annuals and warm-weather annuals that require a long period before they can be transplanted. In areas where winter is still in full force, sowing indoors is a good option. […]
Spring Soil Amendments: What to Add to the Field in March
In March, winter is waning, even if your region has a long, cold season. In southern regions, March signals the end, whereas in the North, there may still be a few months of cold weather. Unless the ground is frozen solid, it’s a good time to include some March amendments. If you’re on the edge […]
How to Start Tomato Seeds: 5 Expert Growing Tips
Tomatoes are the best thing about late spring and early summer markets. Seeing large heirlooms in multiple colors lining stands is exciting for customers and farmers alike. Tomatoes should be started indoors in most regions of North America, where winters linger long enough to prevent the direct sowing that growers in temperate areas do. Indoor […]