We learned how to farm on SSI from experts in organic market farming who have inspired us to deepen our understanding and commitment to living soil, both as a sustainable business practice and a form of spiritual relationship to the earth. In the spirit of regenerative agriculture, we employ techniques to return more to the land than what has been taken, in the hopes of leaving the soil better than when we found it. We practice no till farming, preferring hand tools and light implements to tractors and heavy machinery. Composting, cover cropping, intercropping, mulching, using "no-till" where applicable" and promoting biodiverse ecosystems all play an important role in how we grow vegetables. In time we hope to become more self-sufficient in how we feed the soil, looking to rely less on off farm inputs and fossil fuels while building soil health on site. The primary strategy of the farm will be to focus on the shoulder seasons and winter sales. SSI, while abundant, sorely lacks local produce during the darker months and many farmers take vacation. Such a strategy will see us focus on growing storage crops that will be put away in the fall and sold over the course of the winter. Overwintering certain cold hardy crops such as lettuce, spinach and kale will occupy all greenhouse and covered space. These crops survive very well on SSI, due to its mild winters, and become abundantly popular late in the season when the supply is slim to nonexistent. Other strategies include growing specific niche crops (such as medicinal herbs) for transformation into value added products (salves, tinctures, tea blends all sell at a premium compared to produce) as well as targeting other businesses specific crop needs (ex, growing cabbage for saurkraut/kimchi producers). We would also like to offer a small winter CSA. Such an offering stands out and meets the needs of clients who may struggle to find consistent supply of local produce in the winter. Another strategy will be to incorporate Natalia's existing herbal medicine business (Panatea Apothecary) and produce crops for her products. This decreases her production cost, enhances their quality and traceability and also provides a year round revenue stream to rely on and help with cashflow. There are many local craft fairs during the winter months for her to attend when field work is less busy. Lastly, a small production of indoor crops such as mixed microgreens and Oyster mushrooms can be grown very predictably all year round using minimal infrastructure. These crops need not even be grown in a field and can fetch a high price. They also add diversity and will make our offering stand out. Nate brings with him all of the supplies and tools for growing these (trays, grow lights, racks, pressure cooker, grow tent) as it's been a hobby/side hustle for him for a few years. Diversity of crops and production methods creates resiliency and with climate uncertainty in the future, indoor farming will likely have a role in our food production.
pasture or previously cultivated . shouldn't have any big rocks or tree stumps