 |
||
How We FarmIn conventional farming, everything comes down to fields or acres. With a micro farm, there needs to be more creativity working with a smaller scale. One of the best small farm plans we found - easily customizable to various micro-farms - is SPIN farming.
SPIN Farming?SPIN stands for Small Plot Intensive Farming and was pioneered by Wally Satzewich and his wife Gail Vandersteen in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Together with their co-creator Roxanne Christensen, they have developed a farming system that can work either in the city or country with plots as small as an 1/8 of an acre.The SPIN system removes barriers like land and financing for new farmers and as a result, holds a huge appeal for first generation or new farmers. The SPIN system uses a series of wide long beds and uses intensive planting methods. Many shorter term crops are used and as soon as they are harvested, something new is planted. Crops are picked fresh and marketed to local communties; fresh and fast are two perfect keywords for SPIN farming. If you want to know more about SPIN Farming, you can visit their website and see the team in action. They have a series of farm plans for sale to get even the greenest novice started with a minimum of resources.
Straw between the beds reduces weeds and creates workable paths.
Ecological FarmingEco-farming tries to balance the natural environment and agricultural needs to the benefit of both. Over centuries, farmers and scientists have noted the affects of beneficial plants and insects as well as the importance of safeguarding the natural environment.
Nothing compares to the taste of truly fresh veggies!
Organic FarmingOver the past 20 years especially, the organic standard has come into the spotlight for savvy food consumers. Unfortunately, more people have heard of the term than know what it means. Globally, there is a movement for all organic producers to certify so that there are uniform standards in place.Organic farms use a minimum of chemicals in the growth cycle and carefully document the production schedules to ensure that only the best quality food is produced.
|
 Using mulches and harvested rainwater to nourish sensitive heirloom varieties allows a greater diveristy of food to be consumed.
 Supporting a small farm is a great way to get reconnected to the earth and a source of natural food.
 The flowers from perennial and annual gardens supports beneficial insects like honey bees, ladybugs and butterflies.
Buying produce locally allows consumers to eat with the seasons and enjoy a huge variety of fruits and vegetables at the same time.
|
|
|
| ||
