Our Farming Philosophy
Rome
Strawberry Patch is known for its big, sweet strawberries. We do this
purposefully by focusing on soil health. Using sustainable farming practices
and amendments that are friendly to the life in the soil, our plants grow to
be strong and healthy and are therefore able to produce berries that are full
of nutrients and flavor. The more nutrient dense the strawberry fruit, the more
health it imparts to the person eating it. And yes, the strawberry taste is noticeably
better!
Since 2001, we have been transitioning from conventional farming methods to a natural or "biological" system because it is environmentally friendly and results in a superior, high yielding crop. Biological farming is a different paradigm in farming that is truly sustainable, both environmentally and economically.
We
start by regularly testing the soil to find out what nutrients are missing. We
then supply those nutrients in a form that is readily available to the plant.
All too often, conventional farming methods simply apply nitrogen, phosphorus
and potassium (as a "one-size fits all" bag fertilizer) without regard
to the many trace minerals or natural mineral forms that are preferred sources
for a healthy soil.
In addition to balancing the soil nutrients, there is an equal emphasis on creating the right conditions for soil microbes to flourish. These are the underground "livestock" that condition the soil and feed the plant. This approach creates a productive symbiotic relationship, where both the plant and the soil benefit.
We
also feed the plants directly through the leaves (foliar feeding), using nutritional
sprays that contain micronutrients and vitamins. Believe it or not,
plants can run short of things like vitamin C and B12, just like humans. Foliar
feeding is done to ensure that the plants are getting all the nutrients they
need - especially during times of weather related stress or the stress of fruiting.
Regular plant tissue testing during the growing season is a diagnostic way for
us to "ask
the plant" what it needs to grow a healthy crop. Healthy plants are naturally
resistant to pests and disease, allowing us to use pesticides sparingly or not
at all.
Some of the natural materials we use to build soil and plant health include volcanic rock dusts, rock phosphates, humates, aerobic compost tea, hydrolyzed fish, seaweed and sea salt. We brew our own compost tea for soil drenches and foliar applications using a special blend of leaf and wood-based compost that strawberries thrive on.
Our transition to this new type of farming at Rome Strawberry Patch is a labor of love. We have invested considerable resources to learn how these materials work, where to source them and how to fine-tune our farming methods to grow the very best berry for you. Our commitment is to use natural farming methods to produce fruit with superior health benefits and an exceptional taste experience.
View looking south from top of French Mountain.
