Here are a few examples of the natural methods we employ.  By constant experimentation and a little vigilance against common pests and invasive weeds, we are able to avoid the application of any chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.

Straw Mulch

Using a stockpile of old straw stored in our barns, we began this year to apply a thick layer of mulch around select plant varieties.  This strategy has been particularly successful when used to cover potato tubers, which avoids having to plant the original seed potatoes deep underground or having to hill the dirt around them. After building up the mulch in the spring, we applied a thick layer of fine grass clippings taken from our eco-golf course to keep the roots dark and moist.

Plastic Liner

For the past two years we have begun to cover select rows in our main vegetable with a thin black plastic liner.  We lay the plastic in the early spring, cut small holes at the desired interval, and plant the plugs that we have grown indoors ahead of time.  This method

Bed Gardens

We have many mulched ornamental bed gardens around the farm planted with a selection of native plants and trees. In amongst these beds we grow fragrant herbs such as sweet basil, oregano, dill, and cilantro. Mixing these species provides a great way to keep the weeds away and to protect young plants from bugs and other critters. 

A Little Handiwork

 Sometimes, growing vegetables with natural methods just requires a little extra effort and some good old fashioned person-power.  Hoeing for an hour or two each morning keeps the gardens free of weeds and makes then a pleasure to stroll through and around.  As for the potato bugs, we have found that the very best way to keep them from eating the plants is to meet them face-to-face...then carefully give them a satisfying "squish"!