What an exciting thing to read that they are actually doing research on biodiversity as pest control. If there is one thing I have noticed in our first two seasons are the amount of insects, bugs, and pollinators buzzing around our flower crops. Of course we keep our eyes out for any damage some of them may cause (and they definitely do) but the more diversity of bugs we have out there are like little soldiers for our crops.
The circle of life where pests are kept in check by their predators, but a healthy plant population is key and then so is the soil. It goes on and on… like a circle!
That’s where our farming practices come in. Not only do we grow annual cut flowers and vegetables, but Jeff and I are also committed to conservation and preserving natural areas of the land in conjunction with agriculture. Some may call this Permaculture, I do!
This year we plan to add more ‘Prairie strips' in our back field that serve as space for native flora and fauna to thrive. We also plan on doing a BIG tree planting, well big for us. The Illinois DNR produces and sells saplings for a select list of native Midwest trees at an affordable price. Looking forward to more oaks, hickory, hazelnuts and transforming the landscape in our back field. Stay tuned for more details….
Join our 2020 Flower CSA and help us with these projects and to create a more sustainable future!