The Farm
We grow a wide array of vegetables on a small, non-mechanized scale on about one acre of land in the middle of Fairfield County, Connecticut. Our crops are available for sale from March 1 until November 30 at our on-site farm stand. Lengthening the harvest window is our long-term goal. We also keep a small flock of chickens. Our growing plots are situated amongst ornamental gardens on our property and on a few small parcels of leased fields nearby. Visitors are welcome.
Our crops/our philosophy
Utilizing low-tech sustainable authentic farming practices, we strive to produce exceptional crops for our local community and neighboring towns. Our crops are certified organic. The National Organic Program has many problems, but it’s the best independent oversight program we’ve found. By submitting to this oversight and intense record keeping to prove we adhere to the program standards, we are allowed to use the term "organic" for marketing, a term near and dear to many consumers.
Obtaining this certification was a big step for us. Now, we can speak with greater authority as we work toward a new standard for crop quality: nutrient dense crops. We hope this term eventually overtakes organic. If you'd like to know more, click here. In truth, we consider our crops “beyond organic” and are currently focused on increasing nutrient density or brix in our crops. Biodynamic principles are also selectively employed, for example, utilizing lunar cycles to aid in crop scheduling.
All of our farming practices are informed by an overall concern for good stewardship of this land, this planet. Soil health is paramount. Soil science is complex. We work hard to maintain or improve our soils through detailed laboratory analyses, soil refractometer readings and ergs testing. These things enable us to customize soil amendments, avoiding potentially harmful and definitely wasteful fertilizer applications. By growing a diversified crop mix and many heirloom varieties, we work against the homogenization of food. Diversification also helps prevent serious pest infestations that large monocrops are more subject to. Our small scale lends itself to hand labor and close observation. We are not mechanized and minimally reliant on fossil fuels for production. You will notice that not all of our crops look perfect; sometimes there are a few holes or a little disfigurement. They do taste great! And, of course, they’re grown here -- in our foodshed. When you eat our crops, you don’t have to worry about e. coli bacteria, contamination residues, unknown surface preservatives, how much fossil fuel was burned to get it to you.
Come see what we’re doing. Grow some vegetables in your backyard (here’s a good link: http://www.ezfromseed.org/ Get a chicken. Let’s change the world together.
Where to buy/Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
Our crops are available for sale at our farm stand located behind the Garden of Ideas gallery, at the Ridgefield Farmer’s Market, and through our CSA (community-supported agriculture). Info on our CSA here.
Recipes by crop
coming soon
Food links
To add a link, email us.
647 North Salem Road, Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877 203-431-9914
