My Methods and Philosophy of Farming

My Methods and Philosophy

I start with untreated heirloom seeds or seedlings.   I use as much organic seed as possible.
I do not use any chemicals on my soil, plants or produce.   I don't even purchase any prepared organic insect killers.

I believe that healthy natural soil makes healthy insect and disease free plants.   Also if the soil has all the nutrients it needs then the produce will have the nutrition it should have.   The food from my farm, should not just look good...It should also taste superior.

I test my soil every year to see what it is lacking.   I use compost, manures, mulch, and natural ground rock/minerals, as needed.   I also grow cover crops to turn into the soil, which also helps with weeds while the cover crop is growing.   In addition, I rotate my crops and do some companion planting.

Although I use organic and natural methods, Blooming Patches Farm is not "certified" organic.   This particular certification costs several hundred dollars a year, and I have decided to forego the label.   Rest assured, though, that produce and other items harvested from Blooming Patches CSA Farm are entirely healthy, natural, and basic.   I use no chemicals, and resist any interference (i.e. fertilizer, antibiotics) except that which is necessary for nutrition and health - such as amending the soil with simple nutrients for higher BRIX levels.

I also raise free-range Chickens for meat and eggs.   They get no hormones or routine antibiotics.   I did have to get a fence up as the chickens were invading the neighbors flower beds.   But, it is a large area that is grassy.   They can go out anytime during the day only closed in at night so nothing eats them.

About The Farm and Farmer

The Farmer is Barb Foose!   I was a semi truck driver for over 18 years.   I came back to the family home, purchased by my grandparents in 1944.   Of the original 70 acres, we still have 11 of them.   My goal is to be home with my parents and hopefully to become much more self-sufficient in sustainable food production and utility use.   We would like to go off the power grid soon, and instead use wind and solar energy.

I would like to put up a hoop house to extend the growing season.   I am also working on getting wind mills on the farm, as well as a larger (and better) chicken coop.

Research Studies show that many people are more willing to spend money on movies, vacations, amusement parks, outings, bottled water and many other extras not needed to stay alive, than they are on good nutritious food.   I believe in people, though, and think that things will change.   We need to pay more attention to local produce and farming in order to eat better and live healthier lives.

I try to connect with people to help them learn that there is more to good food than just the label "Organic".   Healthy soil makes healthy plants.   Healthy produce makes for healthy livestock and healthy humans.   I hope people will learn how important it is to eat good fresh food and also learn how to store and/or preserve food.   It doesn't take much longer to cook or prepare fresh food than it does to go out and buy fast food, or buy pre-packaged meals.   Buying fresh can save money, and is surely better for you.   Both your health and your wallet will thank you!

Eat Fresh - Buy Local!