FIR FOREST HARVEST
Tom and Maxine Yunker
NATURAL VS CONVENTIONAL
When people visit a local farmers market, they have the opportunity to purchase a variety of locally grown vegetables and fruits. They may be confused when they see signs saying "Naturally Grown" "Sustainable" or "Conventionally Grown".
Basically, Naturally Grown or Sustainable is another way of saying that the grower is using "organic methods" but is not certified organic. Certification is an arduous task with lots and lots of paperwork and money that the very small grower isn't able to attend to or afford.
Fir Forest Harvest falls into the category of "Natural/Sustainable". We use no synthetics chemicals whatsoever. We use large amounts of organic compost , fish emulsions as foliar feeds, compost tea that Tom makes, and literally pick bugs off by hand. We rotate crops to different locations from year to year to interrupt pest cycles. We plant companion plants that discourage or divert pests. We encourage beneficial microorganisms.
Conventional growing uses synthetic pesticides (fungicides, herbacides, and insectacides) and synthetic fertilizers. Pests are eliminated by spraying. These sprays dramatically reduce pest populations, but often necessitate increased use or more powerful controls. Generally the produce is larger and more uniform in appearance. The flavors are different too.....yes it has the appearance, but not the taste !
So each has a decision......natural or conventional. What are you eating tonight?
Basically, Naturally Grown or Sustainable is another way of saying that the grower is using "organic methods" but is not certified organic. Certification is an arduous task with lots and lots of paperwork and money that the very small grower isn't able to attend to or afford.
Fir Forest Harvest falls into the category of "Natural/Sustainable". We use no synthetics chemicals whatsoever. We use large amounts of organic compost , fish emulsions as foliar feeds, compost tea that Tom makes, and literally pick bugs off by hand. We rotate crops to different locations from year to year to interrupt pest cycles. We plant companion plants that discourage or divert pests. We encourage beneficial microorganisms.
Conventional growing uses synthetic pesticides (fungicides, herbacides, and insectacides) and synthetic fertilizers. Pests are eliminated by spraying. These sprays dramatically reduce pest populations, but often necessitate increased use or more powerful controls. Generally the produce is larger and more uniform in appearance. The flavors are different too.....yes it has the appearance, but not the taste !
So each has a decision......natural or conventional. What are you eating tonight?
Tom plants dwarf French Marigolds to control root know nematodes.
