The 9 Best Flowers and Vegetables to Winter Sow
Farmers who want to maximize their profits and productivity come spring would do well to add winter sowing to their routine. This seed-starting method is great for hardy annuals and perennials that can handle a bit of cold in their early stages. Growers start their seeds in clean, reused milk jugs, plastic containers with lids, […]
Forest Farming: Why it Might Make Sense for Your Land
It has many names: multi-story cropping, agroforestry, forest farming. All of these refer to farming within treed land. It’s a great way to seamlessly integrate the farm into the landscape and diversify the products your farm offers. Originating in Brazil, where tropical rainforests reign, agroforestry is a necessity. The rainforest is fertile ground for those […]
The February Greenhouse: What to Grow Now
In February, many farms are in their annual pause. Winter’s snow is still covering the ground, while freezing and sub-freezing temperatures reign. In regions where this occurs, plants are dormant, and production isn’t happening. However, you can still grow in a greenhouse. February is the perfect time to get started on late spring transplants, and […]
7 Vegetables to Start From Seed in February
February is technically midwinter in the Northern Hemisphere, when we reach the midpoint between winter and spring. Most places are still deeply immersed in the cold and snow that comes with the winter season, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad time for growing vegetable seeds. February happens to be a perfect time for getting […]
What to Plant in Cold Frames and Hoop Houses in December
Winter is a rough time for herbaceous plants. Most don’t have the tolerance for the extreme cold in upper North America, and many die back in late winter in the South. But if you have time, you can build a December cold frame, hoop house, or covered row to grow even when it’s frigid outdoors. […]
How to Amend the Soil After Harvest (and Why You Should)
After reaping the rewards of their hard labor during harvest, farmers have one last critical step to close out the season: ensuring soil health for spring. Amending after fall harvest is ideal because it gives nutrients time to take effect. If applying amendments in the fall doesn’t work for your farm, after the spring harvest […]
Biostimulants vs. Fertilizers: Key Differences and Impacts on Crop Growth
Have you heard of using cricket shells to improve crop yields? If so, you’ve heard of biostimulants. These natural materials, designed to nurture plant health, have become more popular recently, leaving growers wondering what the fuss is about. The truth about biostimulants is that they have shown promise, but they don’t have the same reputation […]
Saline Agriculture: A Promising Approach to Global Farming Challenges
Soil salinization is a serious problem, especially in areas with less rainfall and increasingly arid climates. As climates change, flooding becomes more prevalent – another factor that leads to high soil saline content. While too much salt in soil can be damaging to crops, there is a solution: saline agriculture. While this salt naturally occurs […]
Post-Harvest Soil Testing: What Your Fields Are Telling You
The most important task before winter arrives is harvesting, ensuring that nothing is wasted in what amounts to an entire season of work. Gathering and preparing all the produce for market or storage is crucial. Follow that up with a post-harvest soil test, and you’re even more prepared for next season. Look for at-home tests […]
9 Fall Crops to Sow in October
While winter does bring rest, it’s not winter yet! No matter where you farm, you can still grow yields of fall crops. Sow October seeds, and in a couple of months, you’ll be selling beautiful produce at the market. Or, sow seeds now to prepare for next year. From cold-tolerant roots to delicate greens, there […]