
Coop Hill Farming Practices
“It’s all about the dirt!”
-Farmer Dan
Regenerative Farming Practices
Here at Coop Hill Farm, we are completely dedicated to providing you fresh produce that is totally natural and chemical free. What this means plainly, is that we don’t spray for bugs on the plants or spray fertilizers into the soil. The secret to how we control pests and disease while growing nutrient dense plants is in the soil. In the living soil, to be exact, which is a dynamic ecosystem teeming with life. Beneficial microorganisms, fungi, and larger soil organisms like earthworms create a healthy, fertile environment that supports vigorous plants. Vigorous plants actively protect themselves from insects and disease.
Our entire farming model revolves around our soil. We practice regenerative farming which means we are constantly growing and caring for our soil. We compost all crop residues; they are collected, composted and returned to the garden beds in the fall. Composting provides a rich source of nutrients and organic matter that feeds soil organisms, helping them survive the winter and remain diverse.
We also protect our soil from erosion from wind, rain and the sun by keeping it covered. We mulch with green crops, woodchips, and landscape fabrics. This keeps our precious soil where we want it and protects our micro-organisms. An added benefit is weed suppression and moisture retention which are also important farming goals.
There is no longer heavy tilling on the farm as it destroys the intricate web of life below the surface of the soil. We find that healthy living soil never needs to be turned up for us to plant. When the soil is mature and strong with its diverse micro-ecosystems, we have no trouble planting seeds or transplants. A simple broad forking by hand is all that is needed to aerate the soil enough to get the new crops to a great start.