farming practice

Mike and Charlene like to grow as much of their food diet from their produce garden. The garden has become a teaching model for producing products for the farm market. We focus on good stewardship practices, practicing regenerative farming.

Regenerative farming is an approach that focuses on soil health. When soil is healthy, it produces more food and nutrition, stores more carbon, and increases biodiversity by supporting a variety of species1. Here are the core principles of regenerative agriculture:

• Minimizing Soil Disturbance: Disturbing soil through tillage or chemical use destroys the structure that supports microorganisms. These tiny living organisms create soil fertility, so preserving their habitat is essential.
• Keeping Soil Covered: Bare soil is vulnerable to erosion and moisture evaporation. Regenerative farmers maintain living roots in the soil year-round, often using cover crops between cash crops to protect the soil.
• Maximizing Crop Diversity: A lack of diversity in farming systems can lead to pests, diseases, and poor nutrient cycling. Increasing the range of crops and animals supports biodiversity and improves soil health.
• Integrating Livestock: Grazing livestock on arable land provides organic matter and encourages new plant growth. This stimulates carbon sequestration and nutrient recycling, benefiting soil health

Establishing a below ground ecosystem that gives a high nutrient harvest, which in turn helps in the aid of a healthy body. many herbs and medical plants are also part of Crystal Ridge's ecosystem and nature's medicine for minor Ailments.

Among the many improvements described above is water collection on the farm by swales and ditches and the pond slopes and the rooftops of buildings we gather and maintain our pond levels for its inhabitants and for irrigation and for our personal use. A rooftop Solar system provides us and our community with hydro. Making our goal to be as sufficient as possible.

We wish to provide knowledge and guidance to those who seek it.  

Come feed your mind, body and soul.

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