We propagate all of our perennials right here on our farm using only propagation methods that occur in nature: seeds, spores, separation, division, layering, cutting. You won’t find laboratory-grown (or even greenhouse-grown) plants here! We grow 90% of our plants from seed following the natural rhythms of the seasons. This is incredibly important as sexual reproduction is the ONLY method of propagation that increases genetic diversity. All other methods of propagation simply create clones.

Our plants are grown in the highest possible quality soil. Whether we are growing in the ground or in containers, we make sure that our plants get the nutrients they need through the soil. Our containerized plants are grown in a compost-based potting mix with a plant-healthy fungal and bacterial profile. When the pots need to be refreshed, we top them with manure-based compost and/or give them a brief soak in one of our raised fish ponds.

Our in-ground plants are also treated to the highest possible quality soil. We have several different types of soil on our farm, all of which we amend simply broadforking and feeding the worms. Whenever we create a new bed we begin by broadforking the entire area; next we lay down a layer of cardboard to attract the worms; finally, we cover the cardboard with layers or organic matter such as wood chips, fallen leaves, well-rotted manure, compost, etc. The worms mix the organic matter into the soil creating a beautiful loam.

We do not use peat in any of our growing practices. We know that plants and growers love it for good reason, but peatlands are critical ecosystems and we do not condone their destruction.