In the fall, much of the work on the farm is preparing the fields for the winter. This means planting cover crop where ever possible. This practice replenishes the soil with nutrients from the green matter that will be mowed back under in the spring, helps cut down soil erosion, aids in weed control, increases earth worm population and microbial activity in the soil, and much more! The relatively wet fall we have had was very good for our cover crop germination. Pictured are a field of winter peas and a field of hairy vetch.

We have yet to complete the task of getting nutrients out to the fields. We do soil testing regularly and find out what the soils’ needs are and amend the soil as necessary. We have to apply rock phosphate and gypsum on all 8 acres in production. These soil amendments approved for organic production are a healthy and natural way to provide next years’ crops with essential nutrients.

While we have prep for next season on our mind, we are still harvesting for this year and continue to go to market. Here are pictures of freshly harvested turnips and our market stand last Saturday. Most of the crops we are taking to market are either storage crops, like sweet potatoes and winter squash, or are cold hardy and coming from the field, like this beautiful bok choi and mustard green planting. And we also have lettuce growing in the protection of the hoophouse. We have moved indoors to the west end of the market and will continue to go through November. That means you can get your Thanksgiving vegetables from us!