market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: Market Farming
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- From: IdleThymeFarm AT aol.com
- To: market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org
- Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Intro
- Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 23:08:28 EST
Chris,
While I am no expert I can tell you what has worked for me. I have a market farm producing vegetables, herbs, broilers, eggs and some value added products. I grow in 120 4'x20' production beds and 4'x500' strips all with about 2' strips of natural prairie or planted clover in between. I use 4'x10' chicken tractors over the beds that are out of rotation and have them planted with a special chicken tractor mix that consists of corn, flax, wheat, millet, oats and sunflower. The tractors are an interim between the brooder and a larger pasture pen (electric netting) where the birds finish. I love the strip and bed (ha-good thing this is a clean crowd) method because it allows me greater control over inputs and soil condition. Also, for the purpose of organic certification, this system makes record keeping and crop rotations a breeze. Each bed and each group of strips is a different field number. Where I live, Southeast Wyoming, we get intense wind. I find that in the early spring (a generalization of course as I am always planting) that the prairie paths outgrow the seedlings and provide wind protection, then as the seedlings grow into full-sized plants, I am able to mow the paths and keep weed problems to a minimum. So that is just my 2 cents for what it is worth. Best of luck to you and happy growing. Welcome!
Shelly Elliott
Idle Thyme Farm and CSA www.IdleThymeFarm.com If you would have a lovely garden, you should live a lovely life! ~ Shaker saying |
-
[Market-farming] Intro,
Old Timin', 12/15/2003
- <Possible follow-up(s)>
- Re: [Market-farming] Intro, IdleThymeFarm, 12/30/2003
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