Agropraxis Farm

The work I planned wasn't going to get done. I wanted to set out cabbage and broccoli seedlings that had hardened off. However, a high energy weather system moved through and the wind was blowing 25-30 mph with gusts to and above 40 mph. I moved indoors and worked on mixing soil amendments. We use natural amendments to feed the soil food web. The process of decomposition, microbe life cycle, and fungal proliferation improves the soil and nutrient availability. Details here: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/2006-06-01/A-Better-Way-to-Fertilize-Your-Garden.aspx 

Some components we purchase from the feed mill. Others are by-products that can be had for the cost of hauling. When beds are prepped for planting a combination of compost and amendments are broadcast and lightly worked in. Heavy feeding crops are side dressed with additional amendments and compost through the growing season.

Being out of the wind was a necessity. I include wood ash and lime that is fine and the wind would carry away. I often include kelp meal. The smell evokes family vacations to coastal areas.

A I mixed I recalled an experience with a young farmer that worked on the farm. He never asked questions but always had the answers. Of the multiple ways that farmers can produce a crop he had distilled "the correct way". He shared his way with some customers. Insisting that the amendments and compost wouldn't work. He suggested that all the farm needed was a dose of ammonium sulfate. I had to reassure the customers that the farm would never use synthetic compounds and would keep to sound Eco-Bio growing practices (meeting and exceeding organic requirements). The lure of synthetic quick fixes would harm the progress the farm had made toward being highly productive and sustainable.

The basis of farm fertility is grounded in a viable soil food web. Feed the soil and the soil nourishes the plants. Of the multiple problems surrounding conventional farming a key concern is building and maintaining top soil. Only Eco-Bio/organic methods seems to address this long-term problem.

Farmer Pete 

The following link will take you to Tiller's Spring 2012 Newsletter. Page 4 has information about the Garden Incubator that permits our farm to continue after a couple of tumultous years. The "Nigh Ox" newsletter is wonderfully informative...

http://www.tillersinternational.org/tillers/news_nighox/NighOx2012Spring.pdf

Our growing space was tilled by animal power. Both Ox and horses contributed. During the first week of April I spent many hours amending beds and setting out onions and leeks and direct seeding peas,fava beans, radishes, a first round of potatoes and early carrots. As I work the land I am encouraged by my first impressions. The soil is lose and friable. The thick sod that was turned included a variety of forages including a lot of clover. Missing were stands of thistle, dock, nettles or bramble fruits that hint at imbalances or poor management. The basis of good vegetable growing is here. As years progress this will become ideal intensive vegetable producing land.

In the field I share space with an eager group of Robin's that feast on the easy to find earthworms. Meadowlarks sit atop the fence posts and fill the air with their song. Bluebirds and a few early swallows wing over the fields and feast on a healthy bug hatch. What a pleasure to be in the field.

It's such a thrill to begin at Tiller's on the Clapp Farm. I've had a few friendly visitors. Neighbors across the road came to chat ( Nice to meet you Joan and Frank!), long time Farmers Market buddy Dave stopped by(only a short 1/2 hour chat), my parents and daughter visited to get a lay of the farm and HS teacher and Tiller's volunteer Mr. Collin's stopped to connect the dots on our interconnected world. Visitors are always welcome...

Looking forward to a great year....

Farmer Pete