How We grow
Here at Trillium Hill Farm, organic farming practices meet an extra effort for rich, healthy soil, and vibrant crops. In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through our growing practices, certifications, and commitment to sustainability.
Certified Organic, Real Organic
Let's start with the basics: Is our produce organic? Yes, indeed! Trillium Hill Farm is VOF Certified Organic by NOFA-VT, ensuring that 100% of the produce we grow meets strict organic standards. Moreover, we are proud to hold the Real Organic certification, emphasizing our dedication to growing all our produce in healthy, living soil.
The Importance of Soil Health
Healthy soil is the heartbeat of our farm. We practice low-till farming to preserve soil structure and enhance microbial life. Our tools of choice include broadforks and tilthers, which aerate and enrich the soil without disrupting its natural balance. This approach not only fosters nutrient-rich soil but also supports the growth of robust, flavorful crops.
Size and Diversity
Trillium Hill Farm spans 70 acres, with 1.75 acres dedicated to production. Our farm isn't just about growing vegetables; it's a diverse landscape of forest, pasture, wetland, and even a 70-acre sugarbush for maple syrup (run by James and family members under the name of Little Woods, LLC). Eleven hoop-houses extend our growing season, allowing us to cultivate heat-loving crops in summer and cold-hardy varieties during colder months.
Cold-Weather Farming
Ever wonder how we grow veggies in cold weather? Our hoop-houses are the secret! These structures harness solar heat to create a warm microclimate, keeping our crops thriving through winter. Coupled with row covers for added insulation, we extend our harvest well into late winter and early spring without artificial heating.
Balanced Farming Methods
While we do use tractors for specific tasks like moving compost, our farm is primarily people-powered. Harvesting is a hands-on affair, ensuring each vegetable is carefully selected at its peak, and using hand tools to avoid soil compaction. We also occasionally employ organic sprays like BT (bacillus thuringiensis), focusing on natural solutions that target pests while preserving beneficial insects.
Sustainable Energy
Our commitment to sustainability extends to energy use. Solar panels power our farm and provide electricity for our vegetable cooler and keeping the farmstand up and running. A farm solar pump efficiently irrigates our crops, utilizing gravity-fed systems that minimize water waste.
Join Us in Sustainability
Interested in joining our farm family? Check our employment page for opportunities, or our CSA Shares page to eat with us. For wholesale inquiries, reach out to discuss partnerships. And yes, we do offer gift certificates through our online store, perfect for sharing the bounty of Trillium Hill Farm with loved ones.
From Romano beans to Sungold tomatoes and beyond, every vegetable from Trillium Hill Farm embodies our passion for sustainable, organic agriculture. Come visit us and taste the difference that mindful farming practices make!