PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE, ONE TREE (& PLOT) AT A TIME!
We spent almost every day this week at the farm, and it felt amazing. We kept planting oak trees, got to break ground on Plot Four, and made time to attend a farmers gathering at another farm where we met local, like-minded people and sharing stories from the field. Let’s get into it!
ONE TREE AT A TIME
We have a creek that runs through our property that was historically overgrazed and left unprotected from cattle. From the moment we first saw the land, we could see the potential for this creek to hold more water by slowing it down with vegetation that supports a multitude of birds and animals. Riparian areas need intentional care, just like any other part of the land.
So far, we’ve planted the entire creek with oak trees grown from acorns along the banks. We’ve also staked willows and are in the process of propagating cottonwoods, sycamores, and elders. It’s a dream to transform this watershed into one that can sustain more life. We’re so excited to watch everything grow and begin noticing improvements in water quality over time. Check out our instagram for a quick video on how we planted the baby oaks!
Tree tubes with baby oaks inside, along our non-distinct creek is pictured here!
WE BROKE NEW GROUND
Jake and I have been flirting with the idea of breaking ground on a fourth plot for a few weeks, and last week we pulled the trigger. Our farm is now one quarter bigger. Compost has been laid, amendments added, and a single tillage event will mix everything together.
The plan for Plot Four is a milpas-style planting focused on storage crops which aids in less intensive work with a greater diversity of food offerings for longer parts of the season. Some inspiration that led to this decision came from a local seed exchange with like-minded growers, where we talked about the beauty of corn and its long history of seed saving and genetic resilience. Along with the planting of corn, we will be planting winter squash and dry beans, (and maybe try sweet potatoes just for fun! but shhhh… thats a secret between you and me).
Next steps for Plot 4 include germinating weed seeds on the newly tilled plot, tarping with black sillage tarp to kill the germinated weeds, and then planting a cover crop in preparation for summer sowing.
We got to use our own homemade compost to form plot 4!
Thanks for following along!
Your farmers,
Jake and Jesse :)