Our Favorite Pumpkins to Grow on the Farm
The fall and pumpkins are synonymous, but that wasn’t always the case. The jack-o’-lantern tradition began in Ireland and Scotland with turnips. At the time, pumpkins weren’t present in the area, and these root veggies or potatoes were set to imitate Stingy Jack. During the Potato Famine, massive numbers of Irish and Scottish people migrated […]
7 Highest-Yielding Cover Crops
Cover crops are important in areas cultivated year after year. They reduce soil erosion and improve its overall health. As spring heats the soil, cover crops suppress weeds, and as they grow, they support biodiversity. The highest-yielding cover crops bring something to the market, too. While they don’t always provide returns in the season they’re […]
Saving Seeds on the Farm: Building Resilience
Experienced farmers understand that saving seeds from their crops is a proven cost-cutting strategy. By preserving seeds from their most productive or distinctive plants, they ensure a head start for the following growing season. For indigenous and heirloom varieties, this practice becomes essential rather than optional. Many plants carry deep cultural significance, intertwined with the […]
11 Tasty and Easy to Grow Squash Varieties
When it comes to squash varieties, there are way too many to count. This delicious fruit is one of the longest cultivated food plants, with a storied history that dates back over 8,000 years. This is when the first evidence of its cultivation was found, with origins among the indigenous peoples of the Americas. It […]
6 Ways Cover Crops Save You Money
If you haven’t taken the leap and you’re unsure about whether or not to sow a cover crop, know that it’s worth it. Specifically, when it comes to your bottom line, cover crops save money. They may not do so immediately, but the effort you invest in them is returned in multiple ways. Grow cover […]
How to Get Started With Regenerative Grazing: 5 Recommendations
Regenerative grazing is not a new practice, but it is to many large-scale ranchers used to the traditional industrial model. But the importance of practicing regenerative grazing has never been higher. By taking a few steps in the right direction consistently, it’s possible to convert a ranch to a more restorative state. Terms like silvopasture, […]
How to Fight Soil Nutrient Loss with Prairie Strips
Industrial agriculture is profitable, but recent trends show that profit may only last in the short run if soil health isn’t prioritized. Farmers in the central US in the 1930s learned the hard way. By over-tilling the soil, they lost precious topsoil, and the Dust Bowl ensued. Farmers today may notice crop vigor declines when […]
Fight Potato Viruses with Wildflowers: 9 Flowers to Try
Potato virus Y is a huge threat to potato crop stability in North America and Europe. Farmers are most concerned about the necrotic strain, which affects varieties of potatoes more severely than the common strain. These viruses cause mottled leaves and, eventually, plant death. Necrotic strains damage foliage as well as tubers, which rot from […]
How to Speed Up Your Compost: 5 Recommendations
If you’ve just started composting, you might wonder how to speed up compost so it’s completely decomposed and usable. It’s not hard to do! As long as you have the right balance of greens to browns, you can have finished compost in just four weeks. Composting is a great way to reduce waste on your […]
The 7 Best Crops for Dry Farming
As heat and water scarcity increase, farmers have to adjust their strategies to ensure good production. The bottom line is important, but so is conserving non-renewable resources. Dry farming is one way to keep both in mind. The technique’s success is surprising, as it shows that crops don’t need daily watering and pampering for a […]