The second round of onions is in the ground. (The first round was actually planted in November of last year as "overwintered" onions that should be ready sometime in June/early July). We prepared the onion bed with a roll out paper and then topped it with compost. The paper helps keep weeds down and is really helpful with tightly spaced, long term crops. We then mulched the pathways with cardboard and wood chips. The farm is looking great and we'll be working on getting new beds prepared for summer crops, like squash, tomatoes, and peppers. With most of these beds we use landscaping fabric to add heat and keep weeds out. We will also be experimenting more with layered mulching to help build soil health and nutrition. The less we can till or "turn over" the soil the better. This keeps weed seeds that might be in the soil from germinating and also helps build soil health by not breaking up and disturbing the sensitive balance between bacteria, fungi and beneficial soil insects.
Back to Farm Happenings at Flat Tack Farm
Farm Happenings for April 24, 2020
About the farm
Flat Tack is a small scale farm nestled within the serene vineyard setting of Heathen Estate in Vancouver, Washington. The farm was started in 2017 by co-farmers Kelly and Patrick. Flat Tack Farm specializes in growing a wide variety of produce and is working on organic certification. We grow all of our food without the use of harmful pesticides, chemicals, or synthetic fertilizers; while focusing on improving the land to a healthier state using holistic, all natural practices. The current cultivated area is around 2 acres and is farmed using intensive methods that focus on low tillage and integrating Permaculture (permanent agriculture: creating natural eco-systems designed to be sustainable and self-sufficient) practices into our gardens. Flat Tack Farm focuses on growing heirloom, rare and unique varieties of produce. https://flat-tack-farm.ueniweb.com/
We also believe in collaboration to grow a stronger food system! We partner with other local farmer friends to bring more abundance of sustainably grown food and farm products to our community!
A few of our growing partners are: Sprout and Blossom Farm, Columbia River Mushrooms, Volehalla Farm, and our neighbors. Our locally raised pastured beef share comes from Windy River Livestock in Washougal, WA. We also have locally baked bread from Bleu Door Bakery available as an add on. By combining in a cooperative effort the farmers can join forces to expand their operations and help more of our community members have access to locally grown goodness.
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We also believe in collaboration to grow a stronger food system! We partner with other local farmer friends to bring more abundance of sustainably grown food and farm products to our community!
A few of our growing partners are: Sprout and Blossom Farm, Columbia River Mushrooms, Volehalla Farm, and our neighbors. Our locally raised pastured beef share comes from Windy River Livestock in Washougal, WA. We also have locally baked bread from Bleu Door Bakery available as an add on. By combining in a cooperative effort the farmers can join forces to expand their operations and help more of our community members have access to locally grown goodness.