“I Planted a Seed and Grew a Farmer.”

Bright sunflowers reach tall, squash vines crawl and rosemary flourishes where bees buzz about pollinating and making honey on Briarcliff Rd., in front of the storefront and carwash that Papa D, Stanley ‘Stan the Man’ Joffe, opened nearly 5 years ago. Behind the shop, a field of stunning raised beds are home to a beautiful, edible, demonstration garden. Beneath the tomatoes, fig trees and nasturtiums, the trellised beans, well-tended soil and beneficial microbes, lies a sweet partnership.

“I planted a seed and grew a farmer.” Farmer D’s charming business partner, wood-shop manager and father describes when asked about his gardening experience. Aside from visiting farmer’s with his own dad when he was a kid, Papa D’s skills revolve around wood-working and raising a family, but his agricultural outreach, planting that one seed, has been enormous. The father and son have supported each other since Daron’s birth and now, with a successful shared business, one sweet grandson and another grandkid on the way, Papa D could not be more proud.

IMG950096After taking interest in sustainable agriculture in college, Daron bought a farm in Wisconsin, aiming to “grow his own sandwich.” He quickly became a fixture in his small, Wisconsin town- Papa D remembers his son celebrating his 21st birthday on the new farm, impressed by how everyone in the community showed up to join the celebration. A few years later, Daron moved back to Georgia, starting an online consulting business in Savannah. After talking to Papa D about how a store presence would help expand his local outreach, they agreed to share the extra garage space at the family carwash. They filled the shop with garden tools, soil amendments, seeds and books to support and expand Daron’s consultation business. With almost immediate interest in the shop, Papa D describes a strong synergy with his son- it was a no-brainier to start building raised garden beds, potting tables and other garden fixtures in the carwash garage, wrapping more of Papa D’s skills into the mix.

The hard-working duo rely on each other heavily, but never worry about what the other one is doing, their appreciation of one another’s skills has served them well as business partners and family members. Papa D fondly remembers when they installed a garden at The Children’s Hospital of Atlanta. The project wouldn’t have been possible without his woodworking expertise, yet he credits his son’s ability to teach and engage kids. He says “one of my proudest moments was seeing the joy in kid’s faces as I watched Daron introduce them to their new garden.”

Papa D looks forward to watching his new grandkids grow up and potentially bring a new ring of ideas and skills to the family business, watch them follow opportunities that spark their passion and figure out ways to translate their personal growth into valuable components of their own communities. The apples don’t fall far from the tree, Papa D- Happy Father’s Day from all of us to you!

Bugs, Weeds and… Dads? Oh my!

It’s hot! You’re sweaty. And shoot, something’s chewing on the beloved plants in your garden! Some of those little, garden critters are beyond helpful and others will leave you frustrated under the summer sun. While you’re out there, sweating and fuming over these tiny, antennaed consumers you might also notice a few darn weeds, hogging space and stealing nutrients from the plants that you intend to grow! Sometimes it’s hard to be a gardener, and when it is,we’re here for you!

First, take a minute to look at those bugs and weeds. Bob Cannard, of Greenstring Farm in Petaluma, California considers some of the pesky bugs his soil health indicators. If your top soil is full of life and naturally fertilized your plants will likely be strong enough to defend themselves from insects. If your soil quality is low, those “pests” might be crawling and flying through to relieve the weak plants of their suffering- in Cannard’s words they’re acting as “buddhist agents of mercy.” So consider amending your soil with compostworm castings or a packaged natural fertilizer.

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What better way to spend Father’s Day than in the garden with Dad?

What about the weeds though? Sam McLemore, of Bountiful Harvest Farms in Starkville, Mississippi describes weeds as “useful plants that are growing where you don’t want them.” Some of them are edible (like purslane), some of them extend long tap roots and loosen up the soil, pulling nutrients up to the surface (like curly dock) and for better or worse, they all increase the biodiversity in your garden. But, for a backyard gardener, some of them are just a pain!

So, if you’re not feeling like appreciating those little buggers, weeds included, OR you’re looking for a great way to let your dad take it easy (after all, Father’s Day is just around the corner), stop by the store, we’ve got some great deals!

In honor of your dad:

Grist for the Mill (and an Announcement!)

No, Farmer D Organics is not opening a mill for processing Egyptian wheat or buying a mule to turn sorghum into syrup. (Although, who knows? Maybe one day . . .) He did, however, hire me for the last six months to write as much “grist for the mill” (so to speak) as possible–about his business, his Biodynamic farming and gardening philosophy in practice, and all kinds of organic gardening topics in general so that he would have plenty of content with which to work for (big announcement here) . . . .  his book!

Citizen Farmer (current working title), by Daron “Farmer D” Joffe (edited by acclaimed food journalist/author Susan Puckett, with photographs by Rinne Allen), is scheduled for release in 2014 by Abrams Books. It will inspire you to grow food, knowledge, and community through easy-to-follow tips on how to plan, sow, grow, reap, heal and share in so many ways.

So, you see, there’s actually been a method to our madness (or at least an editorial outline) with all this content creation lately. As you may know, I’ve been amplifying Farmer D’s voice through publication of articles on U.S. News and World Report, Patch, Williams Sonoma and through Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Although many revisions lay ahead for Farmer D and Susan, you can get a feel for where things are heading (and get some useful advice for your garden) by clicking the links above.

Farmer D and I have been friends and colleagues for years, and I expect you’ll be hearing more from me as I help promote his growing business through my marketing communications and editorial services. I want to thank him publicly for allowing me to help capture his voice on paper these past six months and to have a small hand in creating what is sure to be a beloved guide to gardening–and life.  It has been my honor.

Learning as I grow,

Pattie Baker

 

Summer Crops Gone; Fall Crops Rock On

It happened a full six weeks later than usual this year, but the basil, peppers, and potatoes finally bit the dust in the freezing temperatures two nights ago here in metro-Atlanta. These previously abundant plants (including on Thanksgiving Day) can now be described by two words: the first is “slimy.” The second is “compost” as they are now in the compost pile on their journey to nourishing my spring garden.

When you pull up your potatoes, you may find some small potatoes dangling from the roots.  These are delicious so bring them in your house, cook, and enjoy with some fresh backyard eggs (if you have chickens) or even just straight up with a sprinkle of sea salt while standing there at the kitchen window, basking in the striations of the late fall sunlight. I especially like them on a bed of slightly warmed and wilted turnip greens, along with roasted radishes and turnips and a sprinkling of feta cheese.

Oh, and don’t worry if you miss a few potatoes when you harvest–they may grow for you in early spring.

 

How to Make Hot Pepper Powder from Your Home-Grown Bounty

This was the year of the peppers in my home garden.  Less than a dozen pepper plants kept me knee deep in nachos, spicy fritters, and cheesy grits casserole (with a bite) for months.   I have eaten them; frozen them; given them to friends, neighbors, the mail carrier, and random dog walkers; and donated many, many pounds to the local food pantry.  Yet, even now, November 14, they are still not only growing but flowering out there.

Wondering what else I could do with them, I decided to make a hot pepper powder by dehydrating them, blending them, and storing them in an airtight glass jar for use during the winter sprinkled on butternut squash soups and pizzas.  My first two batches came out great, so I feel like I can confidently share with you my methodology (click link below to see 1-minute video).

How to Make Hot Pepper Powder from Home-Grown Jalapenos and Chili Peppers

You can probably also dehydrate them in your oven on a low temperature for hours and hours.  As for my dehydrator, I’m popping sliced apples and cherry tomatoes in it (yes, those are still growing out there, too) for the next 24 hours. After that, herbs.  I have many cute jars to fill, and the holidays are right around the corner.

For more holiday gift ideas, see the Farmer D Organics 2012 Holiday Gift Guide.  Call the store to order at 404.325.0128, or visit our website for more great gifts for gardeners (or yourself).

5 Timely Tips for Late-Fall Gardening

Okay, so the weather is weird.  My basil hasn’t turned black yet, and usually that happens by October 15.  I’m also still harvesting pattypan squashes, which has never happened before for me in November.  Plus, I have tomatoes and lettuces together for once,  and the tomatoes show no sign of stopping just yet.  Peppers as well are still flowering, as is my eggplant!  Advice is tough to offer regarding gardening in our grow zone, which was recently changed to 8A (south of about Lenox Road in Atlanta) from 7B.  So, let me do my best to give you some timely gardening advice:

1. Yes, you can still plant fall crops, as this local community gardener is doing.  Go with transplants, although the radish seeds children tossed last week are up already.  If you’re tossing cover crop seeds (and trust me, you’re going to be glad you did when they are blooming beautifully in the spring), I’d say you have about two more weeks, if you want winter cover.  I planted them a few years ago around December 5 and they didn’t grow until the spring, but then they took off. Then again, as we are seeing, every year is a bit different with the weather so there is really no telling, so feel free to experiment and see how far you can push the limits.

2. If you have leafy greens like lettuce, arugula, spinach, and tatsoi growing, you want to start thinking about covering them with row covers.  This lightweight gauzy fabric adds a few degrees of warmth, protects from wind, and lets air, water, and sunlight penetrate.  I have found that either single-covering or double-covering keeps me in harvests all winter.  This is especially enjoyable when there is snow and I get to go out and snip my salads!  Here is a little video on how to hoop and cover your bed.  Farmer D Organics has row cover fabric.  You may need two lengths clipped together to be wide enough to cover hoops.

3. Consider doing an herb bed on your kitchen counter and keep the healthy, green vibe going all winter within easy snipping distance.  I think Farmer D’s little herb boxes are just about the cutest things in the world.  I’ve tried growing in other boxes, like clementine crates, but they fall apart.  One stop at the store will have you in love with them (there are even some pre-planted with herbs already), or you can order online.

4. If you haven’t planted your garlic yet, now’s your last chance this year.  Here’s how.

5. Add crushed leaves as mulch around your plants, or even just on your bare beds (especially if you don’t get around to cover-cropping), for a little extra warmth and a boost of nutrients as the leaves break down.

Swing by the store or tap in online for gardening advice.  We’re happy to help you keep growing.  Do us a favor, if you would, and help us keep growing, too.  Share our Farmer D Organics Holiday Gift Guide with your friends, and consider our unique product offerings for your holiday gifts.

4 Tips and 1 Word of Advice about Your Compost Piles/Containers and Worm Bin

I went trotting out to my spinning composters on the patio (I have two so that I have one to empty each month), to toss in the massive amount of scraps after “processing” my CSA farm box last Wednesday (pictured below is what $30 bought me in local, organic goodness). I opened the lid and darn near made a run for it. The smell was, shall we say, not exactly nice. I’m guessing anyone who has (or had) a composter has had this “lovely” experience.  In fact, many schools get rid of their classroom composters for just this easily-remedied reason.

As a seasoned composter, I knew what the problem was and that the solution would be simple. My compost ingredients were out of balance. As I had been tossing kitchen scraps in there day after day, I had too many “greens” (nitrogen) and not enough “browns” (carbon). Since it’s fall, the remedy was as simple as scooping up an armful of fallen leaves, adding them to the composter, and turning it. Oh, sure, it took a few days, but the smell is gone now and things are back in balance. I used to keep hogwire bent into a big circle filled with leaves near my composters so I could toss a handful in every time I added scraps, but I had recently cleared out that area and hadn’t set up the hogwire “leaf supply system” again yet, so I got what I deserved, I suppose.  (Do remember to gather and save leaves at this time of year, because you’ll need them all year.)

Okay, let’s run through some other common composting problems, with some fast solutions:

1. Compost pile not heating up. In order to get the right temperature for speedy composting and to kill weed seeds and more, you really need at least a 3′ x 3′ pile, with the right ratio of browns (about 70%) to greens (about 30%), plus sufficient air (toss the pile once a month) and water (slightly damp, not soaked). If your pile is simply not producing at the rate you want, you may want to take a look at these components and see if you can adjust them a bit to get your desired results.

2. Compost pile just not breaking down. Let’s say you have all the right things going on (see above) for your compost pile, but forward movement is just not happening. You may have garden debris that’s just too big in there. It will decompose over time, but you can help it along by chopping up big stalks or branches and chopping leaves before adding them. Many people actually have a separate pile, such as a brush pile, for larger debris like tree branches.

3. Smells and rodents. I put these two together because, well, they go together. If you are putting kitchen scraps in an open compost pile and you’re not burying them, let’s face it, you just laid out the dinner plates and the rodents are connecting on Facebook right now to let each other know where to go. If you are burying scraps and still having a problem then you may want to consider a closed, rodent-proof composter for your veggie and fruit peels. Also, if you don’t already know or if you need a reminder, please do not add fats or meats to your compost pile. You’re seriously asking for trouble if you do! And, once again, proper balance between greens and browns will keep the smells down.

4. Worm bin gone bad. Let’s take a quick stop at the worm bin for a moment. You will see some recurring themes here from our other composting challenges. If your worm bin smells, it’s out of balance.  The way a worm bin gets balanced is by slowing down the rate of scraps you add to it. The little guys can only eat so much, and many people (including enthusiastic schoolchildren) overestimate this. I actually feed mine only every two weeks or so. I then cover the food with a good amount of shredded newspaper. Other worm bin problems include worms “making a run for it.” If worms are trying to get out, they may not have enough air (you do have air holes, don’t you?) or it may be too wet in there and they are pretty much drowning. Find out more tips about managing your worm bin here (you didn’t know you were a manager, did you?): Worm Composting for the Squeamish.

If all this is starting to sound complicated, I have news for you.  It’s not.  Compost happens, as a popular bumper sticker says.  And like everything else in gardening (and in life, I’m learning), there is only one word you need to keep in mind–balance.  (Well, kindness is nice, too.)

Need more composting advice?  See Farmer D’s article in U.S. News and World ReportFrom Waste to Wow: How and Why to Compost and on Williams Sonoma’s truly beautiful blog, The Blender: How to Use a Composter.

 

 

Raising Eco-Literate Children

Like many of you, I’m a mom. My husband and I have two daughters. I fell down this whole gardening rabbit hole after 9/11, when I just wanted to take some small, positive  action in a changing world, and things grew since then. I have spent a great deal of time over the years trying to figure out what kids really need to learn in life, and then determining what they are not learning in school and what I can do at home and elsewhere to teach them (and me).  They have both been fortunate a few times to have teachers who related core curriculum concepts to the real world, and many times, this involved the natural world.  There are also terrific nature centers, museums, parks, trails and more in my metropolitan area, and we’ve searched out things like that when we’ve traveled as well.  (I must rave about the High Line in New York City, a walking trail featuring a series of ecosystems on an abandoned elevated rail track, and I am impressed that Delray Beach, Florida, where my father-in-law lives, has a lighting ordinance that takes into account the effect of street lights by the beach on turtle nesting habits.)

In short, one step has led to another, and that gardening hole down which I fell expanded to present an entire world of personal choices that help me live lighter and more responsibly on the land, and thus, teach my children to do so, too.  This “eco-literacy” matters because this is the world they are inheriting, aspects of many jobs will be affected by environmental changes, and habits for life are learned while young.

Oh, sure, I know this is a gardening blog, but it’s also a place to show how gardening fits into the bigger picture.  Imagine this series of conversations that don’t happen all at once but little by little over time, while planning and digging and watering and picking. 

* You talk about the kinds of food you find in the supermarket and why the food you grow is different (and the deeply concerning fact that most supermarkets rely on just-in-time inventory management that provides them with only a three-day supply of food at any given time);

* You talk about fuel, transportation, and the effects of industrial agriculture on the land and communities and health;

* You talk about other ways to do things, and the laws that prevent you from doing them (like having backyard chickens in a city that doesn’t allow them), and who makes these laws, and how you can change them.  (There’s a very, very strong chance you will end up at city hall at one point or another, by the way, so don’t say you haven’t been warned!);

* You talk about waste and how it’s really not waste but rather a valuable resource, and how it can even be a revenue-producing marketable product (like Farmer D’s compost made from the green waste from Whole Foods plus other southeast heritage agricultural waste products);

* You talk about the seasons and how “grow zones” have actually shifted due to climate change, and the effects this has on crop selection and animal species, and the new challenges that gardeners and farmers face as a result.

Before you know it, you’ve talked about every single topic under the sun with your children.  And all you started out doing was planting radishes.  That’s eco-literacy.

So, sure, starting a garden is simple.  But the topics to which it will expose your children can be very, very complex.  Yet, they will understand them in ways they never would had they simply read about them in a textbook.

You know this saying, don’t you?  “Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.”

Why not start with one simple garden bed today, and see what surprising lessons your family learns?

Farmer D Organics Garden Centers
2154 Briarcliff Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329
Phone: (404) 325-0128
Summer Store Hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 11:00am - 5:00pm