A couple weeks ago I mentioned our insectary plantings, so I wanted to share a photo, as they're looking great right now with Lacy Phacelia in full flower and others like California Poppies, Bachelor's Buttons, Sweet Alyssum and Birdsfoot Trefoil just beginning.
We plant flowers around the farm not just for their beauty, but also to attract more beneficial insects. It's a large part of our pest management strategy as a synthetic pesticide-free farm. These flowers help feed our honeybees (not to mention our paths sown in clover), and also attract many species of native bees that help our crops. That, however, is just the beginning. They also attract and feed lesser seen pollinators like green lacewings and parasitic wasps which predate pest populations and their larvae. In addition, the permanent cover and especially this raised berm planting create great habitat for spiders and beetles, which also hunt pesky pests. By planting more than just vegetables we're helping to create a more diverse ecosystem which helps us avoid large pest outbreaks and makes them easier to control. Oftentimes our plants can fight pests off on their own, with a little help of these predators. This way we only need to mitigate on occasion with organic and safe management strategies like using insect barrier fabric, neem oil, and insecticidal soap.
In regards to vegetables, we've reached our favorite time of year when boxes are filling with summer crops, as we keep harvesting more fresh greens and roots each week. Perfect for busy summer days, this food practically makes a meal out of itself.
All the best,
Ashley and Caleb
