The Challenges of Organic Farming

On our farms we grow a great variety of vegetables. The list of crops grown changes each year as we try different cultivars: some thrive in our soil while others are less successful. Trial and error: each year we learn more about our crops. We attend annual seminars and training courses about soil science, composting, soil microbial life and insects. Just as Grandfather Adam and then our father, Wilhelm, built their knowledge through experience and research, we too are living and learning.

In organic farming, crop rotation is extremely important. Each crop requires certain nutrients from the soil and also influences the “soil organism”. If we were to grow the same crop in the same field for several years, the whole “soil organism” would become unbalanced. Rotating the crops allows the entire “soil organism” to stay healthy and balanced. Because both deficiencies and excesses of nutrients cause problems, we have had to learn how to regulate these imbalances. This is one of the cycles of life in organic growing and biological agriculture.

The cycle of seasons is our most influential force. Spring is the season of rebirth. Days lengthen, robins return, the soil warms and growing begins. Fields are prepared and seeds and seedlings are placed. As the months pass, the sun and rain, the bacteria and microorganisms in the soil all do their work. We monitor, hoe, irrigate and enjoy the hard work and satisfaction of watching crops grow. As each vegetable variety reaches maturity, harvesting is done. This process begins in early summer and ends in late fall. The first crop taken from the fields is spinach and the last is our parsnips which require frost to develop full flavour and sweetness. Even winter is an important part of the cycle. As the soil freezes and snow falls, the months pass. The freeze/thaw cycles loosen soil particles and influence insect life. Understanding the ways of nature and working in collaboration with it help us grow products that are appealing, healthy and nutritious.

We use insects as an alternative form of pest control. For example, the native Trichogramma Wasp in our broccoli fields and the Spined Soldier Beetle in our potato fields are powerful allies against the respective larvae that enjoy these plants. A healthy potato patch is host to a great number of Lady Beetles. Many beneficial insects can be purchased for use as ecologically-sound pesticides.

For more information about insects used in organic farming click here

Our Farm Products:

• Carrots
• Potatoes (Red, White, Russet,Yellow, Blue)
• Beets
• Kale (Green, Red, Dino)
• Onions (Red, White, Yellow)
• Broccoli
• Parsley (Italian A.K.A. Flat, Curly)
• Parsnips
• Brussel Spouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Dandelion (Green, Red)
• Spinach
• Celeriac Root
• Kohl Rabi
• Lettuce (Romaine, Green Leaf, Red Leaf)
• Collard Greens
• Leeks
• Radishes
• Rutabaga
• Turnips