Sustainable Farming
One primary motivation in the local flowers movement is sustainability. Just as our culture has largely adopted a farm-to-table approach to food, there are similar opportunities related to the flower market. In order to contribute to this positive industry change, we have adopted the regenerative farming method of Biodynamic Farming. Biodynamic farms aspire to generate their own fertility through integrating animals, composting, cover cropping, and crop rotation. Here are the methods of biodynamic farming and other sustainable actions we have in place at Stone Hill Farm now:
Biodynamic Practices
We utilize leaves, grass cuttings and downed tree mulch to help fertilize our beds. Our crops are rotated for the health of the soil and cover crops are used when possible to dissuade erosion and naturally replenish the soil’s nutrients. We look forward to keeping chickens and ducks in the future for the benefits of composting their manure and enjoying their company!
Water Conservation
We use an on-property well water for irrigating all of our plants. Irrigation is issued on a drip system to water the plants directly at the base rather than experiencing any inefficiencies from overhead watering. Irrigation is also set on a timer overnight to prevent unnecessary evaporation and excessive water use.
Weed Management
We use landscape fabric or organic mulch on our planting beds to suppress weeds. Landscape fabric can be reused for decades, eliminates the need for any chemical agent for weed management, and helps retain soil moisture for fewer waterings.
Seeds and Tubers
All dahlia tubers are dug up at the end of season to be divided and saved for the season following. This benefits us in growing our stock and eliminates the need to invest and ship in new tuber stock each season. We aim to save as many seeds as possible from flowers that set seed “true” to their variety. The vast majority of our seeds are purchased from farms using organic practices.
Compost Tea
We brew and apply compost tea to all of our plants on a regular basis in the growing season. This practice helps replenish the soil’s nutrients and improve the overall health of the plant. By restoring nutrients and brix levels to the plant, pests and other diseases are more likely prevented.
Pollinator Friendly
We grow pollinator friendly crops to help feed the bees and other pollinators. Some plants are left unharvested for their benefit and we ensure water sources are available for their health.
Recycling
We recycle any vendor delivery cardboard into the field for weed suppression.
Hand Tools
Broadfork, pull carts and other hand tools are used to prep, turn and care for beds. Using such tools helps replace the need for tilling and other tractor or gas powered vehicles wherever possible.
Paper Packaging
We use 100% paper sleeves in our market bouquet and CSA packaging.
No Flower Foam
Reusable frogs or chicken wire are used for support in any floral arrangement rather than flower foam which is not biodegradable.
All Natural Flowers
We do not use any chemical agents to modify the appearance or color of our flowers. Zero pesticides or insecticides are ever used in the field for preventative or reactive measure.
100% Local
Every stem found in our bouquets or arrangements has been grown from our very own farm and sold locally!
We are so thankful for all the beauty and sustainable solutions that the Earth has to offer. We aim to be the best stewards of our tiny slice of the Ozarks and look forward to implementing additional full-circle farming practices year after year.
