This is how we grow it!

We grow roughly 90% of our plants from seed and we're striving to reach 100% within a few years. This detail is important because it is what allows us to monitor the journey from farm to table from the very beginning.

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Our seed trays are all re-useable and / or recycled items. We don't like to waste anything. It's bad for the planet and it's bad for business.

We use straw that we grow and harvest ourselves to mulch our plants and prevent weed growth. This approach also helps to reduce water loss from evaporation, which lowers the overall water needs of our garden. We NEVER use any chemical sprays or plastic weed fabrics on or near our produce.

Our philosophy for pest control: prevention is key. We evaluate our plants daily to ensure we spot pests before they spread and become major issues. This approach allows us to easily and safely remediate pest issues before only a chemical spray could do the trick. If we do need specialized treatment, we use only certified organic formulas to address any unwanted garden guests.

A great example of our approach is how we deal with Japanese beetles. Once their numbers grow large enough, they can decimate some of our plants (green beans, basil, etc) within days. We fill a bucket with soapy water and simply knock the beetles in as we are weeding or harvesting throughout the season. While this sounds cumbersome, if done early enough, it only takes a few minutes each day. Because we know you're wondering: if you use Japanese beetle traps, you will simply draw in more beetles than you otherwise would have had. ;)

We apply all-natural fertilizer and compost from our own farm in the early spring (March to early April timeframe) to give our soil and plants a little extra boost. We do not use any store-bought, unnatural fertilizers that might risk the safety of our produce.

As a small, family farm, we harvest our produce by hand and with special care. Our fruits and veggies are picked and packed a day (possibly two) before you receive them. Much of the produce in stores (even the organic varieties) have been sitting for days or weeks before they make it into your fridge, losing important nutritional value during that time.  We guarantee fresh, delicious produce for you and your family to enjoy.

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Have more questions? Check out our produce FAQ page, reach out directly or swing by the Slippery Rock Farmer's Market to ask us in person! We love talking about growing!