REMEMBER! If your pick up is in Libby, it's FRIDAY 3:30-5 at the Antler's parking lot!
We're finishing up the season in the same way we typically begin -- moving compost around. Compost is an important part of our farm, especially to new blocks that we're bringing into production. Our soil is very sandy, so adding compost helps us to boost the organic matter in a way that is long term. Compost allows us to essentially 'bank' fertility in soil that would otherwise not hold it very well (sandy soils lose nutrients quickly as water moves freely through it). The organic matter is held in the soil and broken down over time by earthworms, insects, and microbiology that live in the soil, then we rely on those tiny workers to release that fertility in a form that our crops can utilize. You might think it's unfair to rely so much on an army of microscopic workers that aren't on our payroll, but they are quite happy with the compost, cover crops and crop debris that we pay them with instead -- it's a win-win!
We get a big semi load of compost delivered and them move it around the farm with the help of our mini-excavator (Yanny, of course). From the one yard sling bags, we shovel it into wheel barrows to apply to each and every bed and then rake out into an even layer. Compost spreading is actually a pretty sought after job this week as it's one of the few that doesn't involve water and is heavy enough that we stay warm moving it around!
We look forward to seeing you all at pick up!
Cheers, Rudy & Bonnie
