Ten years ago, a spot on my husband Casey’s neck grew darker and larger in a way that I noticed, my mother noticed, and even my best friend noticed. If you aren’t aware, changes in existing moles or birth marks are a big red flag and potential indicators of skin cancer. Even though we were […]
Why and how farmers protect their skin Read More »
In this article I cover aspects of growing potatoes that I did not review in previous GFM articles. To come up to speed, take a look at the January 2022 article on planting and green sprouting potatoes (including stages of growth); October 2021 covered harvest and storage; November 2008, root cellars; and in February 2008
Potatoes: Pests, diseases, weeds and lifecycle Read More »
I’ve visited a lot of heated greenhouses, and I’ve seen some techniques that are not often used in unheated hoop houses, but would benefit soil-grown tomatoes and other vining crops. In this article, we’ll talk about four greenhouse techniques that can be used just as profitably in an unheated hoophouse. For more on protected growing,
Greenhouse tips for hoophouse growers Read More »
Standout flower varieties in the key color As the Slow Flower Movement picks up speed with international trade disruptions and climate change challenges contributing, locally produced flowers are getting more attention and sales opportunities are increasing. But what flowers should you focus on growing? Whether the main color or an accent, pink is an important
This is the first in a quarterly series on alliums, the onion family. By growing a variety of allium species, there is not really a beginning or an end to the season. Even though alliums are usually not the most lucrative crop, the fact that they are used in almost all cuisines, and that many
Alliums all year-round part 1: harvesting Read More »
Our farm is in Flanders, in northern Belgium. Belgium is a small country, about the size of Maryland, with a population of 10 million people. Depending on traffic, it takes about 2 hours to drive through the country from the Netherlands, in the north, to France in the south. Or about 3 ½ hours from
Member-harvested CSA runs on trust and efficient small-scale mechanization Read More »
Add value to produce and reach new customers I started farming during university on urban organic farms. After graduating in 2018 with lots of student debt, I looked for jobs that pay well above minimum wage. I realised quickly it wouldn’t be sustainable for me to farm full time physically or financially, but I still
Profitable farm-to-table meals Read More »
Deciding where to sell is about more than just the numbers. If your farm sells in multiple markets, as mine has in the past, you’ll inevitably have to answer the question at some point of which channel to sell your best products in, and at some point you might also need to decide whether or
Evaluating marketing channels Read More »
Part of our scaling up process was figuring out how to deal with weed control. We knew wheel hoeing the whole farm was not sustainable unless we hired a horde of college kids. We first tried laying black plastic (with and without a plastic layer), but ended up with too many weeds on the edges.
Flower farming without plastic Read More »
The seedlings that you have tended so carefully in the warm, humid greenhouse will soon be planted out in the field, where they will be exposed to wild temperature swings, wind, rain, and brilliant sunshine. It’s a tough transition for the plants, one that can set them back severely unless you take the time to
Hardening off process is worth the effort Read More »
