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 5 Main Elements of a Soil Health Roadmap
Each of the five main elements of a Soil Health Roadmap (SHR) builds on the discoveries and information compiled in the previous steps.
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.
April Joy Farm + The Soil Health Grant
April Joy Farm and The Clark Conservation District have been awarded a three year grant from the Washington State Soil Health Committee to study soil health at our farm.
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.”