Though the calendar tells us summer has officially arrived, on the farm we’re already thinking about autumn and winter as we make preparations for late season crops. This week I prepared our winter squash patch by terminating a standing crop of cereal rye with a tool called a roller crimper. This is a form of no-till gardening, which means that we aren’t disturbing the soil, and its intricate networks of fungi, before we plant the crop. The rye straw, anchored in place by its roots, serves as a mulch, which reduces weed pressure, prevents erosion, adds organic matter, and improves the health of the soil—and the health of the soil is a standard by which we judge all of our decisions on the farm. Healthy soil begets healthy plants. Healthy plants produce healthy food.
Your farmer,
Zach
