It All Starts with Healthy Soil
Did you know? Your soil is ALIVE. Tiny organisms like nematodes, arthropods and fungi thrive in healthy soils; cycling nutrients, air and water as they eat, grow and die. The soil food web is dependent upon these organisms to aerate the soil and break down organic matter into digestible components for plant roots to uptake, providing nutrients for our landscape and edible plants, which in turn, feed humans and wildlife.​
Image courtesy of Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District
As you probably already know, Central Oregon soils tend to be quite sandy and sterile due to the low-rainfall, volcanic history of the region. But that's good enough for our native plants. When it comes to growing food, our soils almost always need to be heavily amended to obtain success. Here at the Worthy Farm, we practice regenerative farming techniques to build and maintain our soil health.
What is Regenerative Agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture is based on a philosophy of farming with nature, using holistic practices that work with existing ecosystems to nourish the soil. It's been practiced by indigenous people for millennia (the Three Sisters planting technique by the Iroquois being one well-known example) but was "rediscovered" and popularized in the 1980s by Robert Rodale.
​
Regenerative growing encompasses several techniques that protect soils from erosion and depletion by recycling nutrients in much the same way Mother Nature does.
No Till or Low Till​
Avoiding repeated, deep disturbances keeps soil structure and fungal networks intact. We use a tool called a broadfork only when needed.
Cover Cropping
Planting a crop where there would normally be bare soil reduces erosion, increases biodiversity and water retention, and restores nutrients to the soil.
Crop Diversity
More resilient to the perils of nature, diverse crops include habitat and companion plants. Perennials store carbon & keep soils activated in the winter.
Crop Rotation
Growing certain plant families in different locations for at least consecutive three years discourages pest and disease outbreaks.
Mulching
Mulching insulates and protects the soil while helping retain moisture. We use bark mulch on pathways and compost in planting beds.
Composting
Turning garden waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment or a compost tea creates a closed-loop system that eliminates the need for add'l inputs.
Animal Integration
Incorporating animals into a farm can aid in pest control through natural predation and the natural "pruning" of plants through grazing. In moderation, their waste returns nutrients to the soil, increasing soil fertility.
Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture
-
Healthier, more resilient and productive plants
-
Higher biodiversity in the land, air and water
-
Increased water retention; conserves and improves water quality
-
Reduced soil erosion
-
Fewer or no chemical inputs (fertilizers, pesticides)
-
Saves money and time
-
Creates a foundation for a functioning ecosystem
-
Promotes rural economic development
What are we doing to help?
Worthy Demonstration Farm
The Worthy Farm encompasses 3000 square feet of growing space complete with three high tunnels, an herb garden, pollinator plantings and a worm composting bin. Our organically-grown food is served in the Worthy Brewing pub, and extra produce is donated to HDFFA's Grow and Give Program. The farm is always open for walk-throughs, and we provide tours upon request. Contact jess@worthygardenclub.org.
Soil Health Education
Both our farm and Franklin's Corner Community Garden serve as outdoor classrooms for soil health and food growing workshops. We demonstrate and provide signage for our soil building practices, so that even if we're not around, visitors can learn how to incorporate these into their gardening routines. Keep an eye on our Upcoming Events for classes and workshops, or Subscribe to our mailing list to get them delivered to your inbox.
Plant Sales
We host various plant sales in the spring, providing organically-grown starts chosen specifically for the High Desert. We select varieties with good pest and disease resistance, as well as short maturation dates (as we only have, on average, 90 growing days a year), and start them in our propagation house around March. We always take pots back to reduce, reuse and recycle; so drop off any time on the blue bench outside the greenhouse.
U-Pick Days
Whatever produce doesn't donated or harvested for the pub is available for seasonal U-Pick days! Walk through the farm and pick your own tomatoes, strawberries, herbs and flowers. Look for these pop-up days on the weekends. We'll post them on our website and social media.
Resource Creation
Worthy Garden Club creates many of its own resources on gardening, and you can find them here, along with some of the best other local resources we've stumbled upon. We enjoy bringing beginners into the fold, so most of our publications are written for amateur gardeners looking to learn more about growing edible and native plants in the High Desert.
Community Projects
Franklin's Corner Community Garden serves as our satellite campus, providing space for 26 community gardeners, garden work days and gardening workshops. We partner with organizations like the High Desert Food and Farm Alliance and Bend Urban Gardeners to provide additional food security and farming education. See the City of Bend website for more details.