BEES AND FALL PLANTING

The farmers have been busy bees again this week. In fact, we were able to acquire an established bee hive to place in the citrus orchard!

Honey bees are incredibly important to agriculture, as many crops rely on pollinators such as bees to fertilize flowers, which will then become fruit. Honey bees have been facing some troubled times lately. World trade of various goods has transferred pests and diseases, and increased pesticide spraying has targeted beneficial bugs as well as bad ones. Naturally, bees can adapt to these changes, but as of late, the harmful side effects have been piling up too quickly resulting in colony collapse disorder. By adding a hive to the farm, we will not only enjoy the benefits of pollinators and farm-raised honey, but help contribute to keeping honey bees off the endangered species list. At this point in time, the farm is fully planted with either seeds or standing crops. The last rows at the North Farm have been seeded with garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, collards, cabbage, onions, lettuce, mustard, radishes, carrots, cilantro, parsley, arugula, rutabaga, and kohlrabi. We have also planted mixed greens in the Farm Club plots which will serve as a cover crop and provide an initial harvest when members start farming.