Natural Gardening

We are not a certified organic farm, however, we grow as naturally as possible. We use a natural Neem oil, companion gardening and flower companions as bug deterrents and tobacco tea for root protection. We use natural fertilizer from the animals on the farm and ongoing compost piles. We use minimal tilling, mowers, and our hands to keep the weeds under control (we don't want to kill the worms!)

We are still in the learning and experimental phase and currently have a garden of raised beds (so far working best) and a larger garden of rows. We plan to row plant larger single crop areas with our tractor next season.

Our pasture is currently in orchard grass. We are researching planting a combination of alfalfa, quick growing orchard grasses and other medicinal grasses to provide natural health forage for the animals.

Our hay is located on a piece of property that we lease in Tennessee. The hay is naturally grown with natural fertilizers and no chemicals.

Animals

Horse:
Our horse is used now for exercise and manure. We hope to train him to pull a single plow and small wagon. We are also looking for another horse or possibly a mule for pulling.

Cows:
We have Jersey Cows and currently milk them for personal consumption, with the extra being made available for pet food. We also use the steers for beef for the freezer. Manure is used in the compost pile for use in the garden next year. We feed hay and grass and only use medications when a steer is sick or needs worming.

Sheep and Goat:
Our sheep are dual purpose for meat and wool. They are given hay, grass and occasionally some grain. Our goat is an Angora and is for fiber purposes only. Manure is used directly on our garden and raised beds. We are looking at acquiring milk goats again.

Chickens:
The chickens are used for eggs and meat. We try to let a broody hen hatch chicks each spring and use the cocks for the freezer and the hens as replacements for those that are no longer laying. Culled hens are put in the freezer as well. Manure is put in the compost pile and used next year. We feed them a laying mesh, cracked corn and table scraps from the kitchens.

Bees:
Bees are fairly new to the farm and we are still learning. Bees pollinate the garden produce and fruit trees, provide honey and wax for making personal care products and candles. We are enjoying our new adventure! Small amounts of chemicals are used outside of honey season to maintain our hives from attackers such as beetles and mites. During honey making season no chemicals enter the hive.

Natural Resources

We are saving rain water for our animals and garden.
We have a natural spring-fed pond on our property.
We have recently acquired a wood burning cook stove for heating our home and cooking in the winter months.
We are looking into having a well dug.
We also hope to install some solar and wind energy components to the farm when finances allow.