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 […]
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 […]