CHANGE

FARM NEWS

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Tomato oils on Lothar’s hand after tying up the plants
FROM THE FARMERS

We’ve experienced two big events in the last week on the farm. Last Wednesday we had our first organic inspection, and Monday was Jack’s first birthday. Looking back on the last year makes me realize how drastically our lives, and the farm, have changed for the better. Jack, and transitioning to certified organic have brought their own challenges, as well as joy and positive adaptation. As I look forward to the next 12 months, I can only imagine what they will hold. Thanks to all for going with us on this journey!

– Bryce

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One year old Jack

THE PATH TO NO-TILL

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Johnson Grass Root

Because we don’t rely on herbicides, controlling the weeds in our crops has always been a challenge. We basically have three options to address our weed problem; cultivate, mulch, and just live with them. As we move towards no-till, cultivating the crops the way we are now will not be an option, so we have to find new ways to address this issue. I see companion planting as a viable option in reducing our weed pressure. The idea is the same as the three sisters concept… find crops that grow well together, and hopefully compliment each other in some way.

When we are evaluating companion plants we look at their growth habit, nutrient requirement, and how they will interact with the plants and insects in their intended environment. This year, in our tomato patch, we planted buckwheat after the tomatoes were established. Our thought is the buckwheat flowers will attract pollinators and green lacewings to help control aphids. The sky is the limit with possible companion plants, and we are excited about adding some new interplantings to spice up our standby crops.

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Buckwheat in the tomatoes

WEEK #10 CSA SHARE CONTENTS

  • GREEN BEANS
  • NEW POTATOES
  • ROMAINE LETTUCE
  • CUCUMBERS
  • PATTY PAN SQUASH
  • CARROTS
  • BROCCOLI

FARM NOTES & EVENTS

  • TUESDAY – BEREA FARMERS MARKET, 3:30-6:30 PM
  • — closed July 4th — THURSDAY – MADISON COUNTY FARMERS MARKET, 10:00-1:00 PM @ EKU
  • SATURDAY – BEREA FARMERS MARKET, 9:00-12:00 PM
  • SATURDAY – LEXINGTON FARMERS MARKET, 7:00-12:00 PM