Farm Journal
In subtle and blatant ways, farmers are professionally discounted and personally discouraged. I adamantly believe agriculture can be a rewarding, and healthy full time career. By writing about my work and sharing my progress, I hope to show how organic farms and farmers enrich and strengthen the communities they serve. ~April
Joyful Farming is:
aligning life, land, and community
believing in power and possibility
restoring health and home
nurturing relationships
honoring abundance and vocation
celebrating creativity and change
“I love your newsletter. The produce is so delicious, but the spirit of the farm lives in how you both communicate with us. So grateful for you all.”
— April Joy Farm CSA Member
The Soil Health Roadmap Project
Stewardship focused farmers intuitively understand soil health is the fundamental basis of farm health. Healthy soils are characterized by good structure and tilth, properties that promote aeration, water infiltration, and strong root growth.
Plant by Plant
It might surprise you to know that April Joy Farm is the first working farm many of our visitors have ever stepped foot on, and Brad and I are the first farmers they’ve ever met.
Seeding for Our Soil
All spring and summer, we seed a variety of plants to feed our families. But now is the time of year Brad and I begin to focus on seeding cover crops –plants that will feed our soil.
Deep Underground Magic
A common way many growers expedite the labor intensive process of raising their own transplants is by using seedling trays. Typically, these are black plastic that has been molded into a set number of individual pots.
Inherently Laborious
As I explained in last week’s essay, there are many advantages to transplanting crops. However, don’t think it’s all roses and sunshine! Transplanting as a practice is inherently laborious.
The Skinny on Seedlings
Last week, we reached a milestone in our annual farm schedule. For the first time since Feb. 7th, we didn’t seed one thing in the greenhouse.
Community Voices
“Your writing is superb, April! Profound, insightful, clear, honest and generous - like you. I always find some wisdom to share with the kids or illumination of my own journey. Thank you.”