Mahatma Gandhi said “Be the change you want to see in the world”. Food and our attitudes toward it have changed dramatically over the last few decades and not for the good. I grow food because we need more choice in what we eat. For me, the kitchen is the center of the household, not the living room. Sure we can fight big ag and should but for me, farming is direct action and perhaps more producti
ve. New Earth Gardens has been in development over the last two years and operated by myself, Aaron McConnell. Year one saw the development of a 22 ft diameter dome greenhouse, 22 raised beds and approximately 2000 sq ft of ground growing area. Limited space has necessitated vertical and intensive gardening methods. Sales first year were from a farmstand set up on a nearby neighbor's property (as I am located away from any traffic) and did very well. Year two saw an additional 1800 sq ft of fenced in ground growing space and a 20ft x 60ft berry cage. In year two I also installed drip irrigation to the entire garden, half from well water and half from pond water. The temporary farm stand was sold and I began selling at the Tuesday Farmers Market. This coming year I would like to lease land from the Farmland Trust as I am unable to expand my current operation due to bedrock and limited water. Leasing land will allow for expanded production so as to sell at Saturday Market as well and start looking toward wholesale options.
