Starting a farming project in November (made up date, the plan is flexible with any start date) in Abbotsford, BC, requires careful planning due to the winter season. Here's a plan to efficiently divide 1.5-acre land for flower and vegetable farming, with a focus on planting and harvesting schedules that align with the local climate: Land Division and Crop Planning Land Division Total Land Area: 1.5 acres (approximately 65,340 square feet) Flowers: 0.5 acres Vegetables: 1 acre Timeframe and Crop Planning November to February: Preparation and Winter Crops Preparation November: Enriching the soil by adding compost and organic matter. December: Plan and purchase seeds, tools, and materials. Set up protective structures like cold frames or hoop houses. Winter Crops Garlic: Plant garlic cloves in November. Harvest: Late June to July. Spinach: Sow in late November (in cold frames). Harvest: February to March. Kale: Sow in late November (in cold frames). Harvest: March to April. March to May: Early Spring Planting Flowers: Daffodils and Tulips: Plant bulbs in early March. Bloom: April to May. Crocus: Plant bulbs in early March. Bloom: April to May. Willow Trees/Shrubs: Plant in March. Bloom: Early Spring (following years). Vegetables: Peas: Sow in March. Harvest: May to June. Lettuce: Sow in March. Harvest: April to June. Carrots: Sow in late March. Harvest: June to August. June to August: Summer Planting Flowers: Lavender: Plant in June. Bloom: July to August. Sunflowers: Sow seeds from May to June. Bloom: July to September. Bee Balm (Monarda): Plant in June. Bloom: July to September. Vegetables: Tomatoes: Transplant seedlings in June. Harvest: August to September. Cucumbers: Sow seeds in June. Harvest: July to September. Zucchini: Sow seeds in June. Harvest: July to September. Indian Okra: Transplant seedlings in June. Harvest: August to September. September to November: Fall Planting Flowers: Goldenrod: Plant in September. Bloom: The following year, late summer to fall. Asters: Plant in September. Bloom: The following year, late summer to fall. Sedum: Plant in September. Bloom: Following year, fall. Vegetables: Broccoli: Sow seeds in September Harvest: November to December. Cauliflower: Sow seeds in September. Harvest: November to December. Spinach: Sow in late September Harvest: November to December. Detailed Area Allocation 1. Flowers (0.5 acres) - Spring Bulbs (Daffodils, Tulips, Crocus): 0.1 acre - Summer Flowers (Lavender, Sunflowers, Bee Balm) 0.2 acre - Fall Flowers (Goldenrod, Asters, Sedum): 0.2 acre 2. Vegetables (1 acre) - Winter Crops (Garlic, Spinach, Kale): 0.2 acre - Early Spring Crops (Peas, Lettuce, Carrots): 0.2 acre - Summer Crops (Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Zucchini): 0.4 acre - Fall Crops (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Spinach): 0.2 acre Crop Rotation and Soil Health Rotate Crops: Each season, I will rotate the areas where I plant different types of vegetables to prevent soil depletion and reduce pest issues. Cover Crops: Planting cover crops like clover or rye during off-seasons improves soil health and prevents erosion. Greenhouse/Cold Frames: Utilize these structures to extend the growing season, especially for winter and early spring crops. Mulching: Use mulch to protect soil and retain moisture. Drip Irrigation: Implement a drip irrigation system to efficiently water crops. Optimize your land use, ensure a steady harvest throughout the year, and support bee farming activities with a variety of flowers.
35822, Canterbury Ave
Abbotsford, BC, V3G1G2
CA