A Compost Poem, for mkts 10/27

Thanks to wonderful events last week at the Millwood School, the new farmers market at the Millworks in Midlothian, and at Clover Hill Elementary School, in addition to our regular markets, there are a lot of new people receiving this post in their inbox this week. So, since we weren’t all at all events, here is a “Hello!” from the whole Broadfork family:

We’ll have to update our family photo to show how big the baby is, but this is good enough for today. If you’re new here, welcome to our community. We’re so glad you’ve found us.

Newest on the farm this week is the new greenhouse under construction. The four corner posts got put in (that’s the hardest – getting it square) and the first arch. This is where we’re planting greens for the winter.

A quick peek at what’s growing now, and then keep reading for some Compost Poetry.

This week is National Food Week and we celebrated by taking part in a Food Forum at Pasture restaurant on Wednesday. (Side note: It’s a great restaurant that you should check out if you are able.) Dan was asked to speak from a farmer’s perspective, and I (Janet) was asked to speak from the state-wide perspective of VABF. Dan, being the artful farmer that he is, composed a poem for the event. Here it is:

Ode to Compost

Compost…You improve soil structure for better plant roots.

Compost…You improve filtration on heavy soils, reducing runoff and erosion.

Compost…You improve water holding capacity.

Compost…You supply nutrients – both macro and micro.

Compost…You control and suppress soil diseases and pathogens.

Compost…You supply beneficial micro-organisms.

Compost…You improve and stabilize pH.

Compost…You bind and degrade pollutants.

Compost…I love you.

* * *

And that, my friends, is why we farm organically. (And why we make a living from growing vegetables instead of writing poetry.)

This week’s harvest includes:

Arugula, Basil, Beets, Bell Peppers (green, purple, orange, and red), Green Beans, Broccoli, Eggplants, Bunched Greens (Chard, Kale, Collards, Senposai, Tokyo Bekana), Head Lettuce, Hearty Greens Mix, SALAD MIX (lots! stock up and eat yer greens!), Summer Squash, Green Tomatoes, Parsley, and Turnips.