SOIL PREPARATION
May 16, 2022 | GARDEN, BOUCHER VALLEY FARMS
By Andrew Boucher, Boucher Valley Farms
WEEDING WALKWAYS
1.WATER DRAINAGE
The first thing we need to address is the drainage system in the garden. My garden is not graded to prevent standing water; so, trenches need to be dug to direct water out of the garden. When draining your garden, it is important to have the water drain out slowly to prevent removing any valuable topsoil from your garden. A minimum of four primary drain trenches will keep water moving out of the garden all season. You can utilize the water draining from the garden for another area where you may need it. In my case, I am directing the water to the trees I recently planted right outside my garden. Doing so will allow the trees to absorb any excess water that may accumulate and further prevent standing water.
We use living walkways currently in our garden but living walkways still require regular maintenance to keep down grass and weeds. Using a weed eater to cut down the bulk of weeds and grass will speed up the process. Once the major trimming is done, begin ripping out the weeds that are encroaching on surrounding rows. Placing the shredded remnants of the weeds will deposit nutrients back into the soil as they decompose. Just be sure to avoid placing any intact weeds back into the walkways
IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
2.SOIL TESTING
Soil testing is an important and often overlooked step in prepping your garden for planting. Soil testing should be done at the start of the season before putting any plants in the ground. Getting your soil tested is a simple process; kits are available in many garden centers and home improvement stores. After collecting your sample, simply follow the instructions on your at-home soil testing kit or take it to a local facility for testing. I am using the local university for a more in-depth analysis. The university will be able to suggest any beneficial additives to ensure optimal growth and production this season.
3.MAPPING ROWS
Planning the garden ensures you will get the most out of the space you have, whether that be a large area or a small raised garden bed. In my case, I have gone with 30-inch rows and 18-inch walkways which is standard for most market gardens. The wide rows will allow for interplanting while the walkways will provide plenty of space for walking. To map the rows and walk ways simply measure out the spacing and mark each row with a stake. After staking all rows, tie string to the corresponding stake on either end. Doing so will allow you to easily identify the areas of your garden and make the next steps; tilling and laying weed barrier easier.
MEET ANDREW BOUCHER
Building a farm was something I never thought I would be doing. I've been an artist and programmer most of my life and lived a very indoor life. In 2020 was given the opportunity of a lifetime to revitalize a dormant farm and decided to take on the challenge. I dove into learning everything I could from anywhere I could about farm life. Ultimately, my family and I decided we wanted to pursue farming practices that brought life back to the land. We utilize a no-till garden method, rotational grazing, as well as regenerative agriculture practices. Follow along with us as we create this year’s garden!
BASICS OF PLANTING
BASICS OF PLANTING
A sprinkler system from any of the big box stores can be effective for your garden. However, if you are looking to up your irrigation system or have a large garden a custom irrigation system may be beneficial. For our garden we have developed a DIY sprinkler system using PVC pipe with sprinkler heads every 8 rows. The sprinklers will run in intervals keeping all the plants well-watered and protected from drought. Drip tape and soaker hoses are both great options for a similar irrigation system however drip tape will require more setup as well as a higher water pressure.
CREATING A TRELLIS
The next maintenance task we are taking care of today is ensuring the tomatoes are properly supported. We are using 10-foot poles and string to create a trellis. The frame of the trellis has holes drilled to attach string from one end to the other to create the top trellis string. Take another piece of 10-foot string and wrap it around the base of the plant. After wrapping the string around the plant tie it onto the above trellis string. The goal is to keep the string tight to keep the plants up off the ground and help alleviate some of the weight off the plant. You can use plant tape (non-adhesive tape) to secure the string around the base of your plant.
MEET ANDREW BOUCHER
Building a farm was something I never thought I would be doing. I've been an artist and programmer most of my life and lived a very indoor life.
In 2020 was given the opportunity of a lifetime to revitalize a dormant farm and decided to take on the challenge. I dove into learning everything I could from anywhere I could about farm life.
Ultimately, my family and I decided we wanted to pursue farming practices that brought life back to the land. We utilize a no-till garden method, rotational grazing, as well as regenerative agriculture practices. Follow along with us as we create this year’s garden!
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
IRRIGATION AND MAINTENANCE
PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT
July 29, 2022 | GARDEN, BOUCHER VALLEY FARMS
June 30, 2022 | DEER STAND, RIZEN MEDIA
By Andrew Boucher, Boucher Valley Farms
By Joe Sir, Rizen Media
MEET ANDREW BOUCHER
Building a farm was something I never thought I would be doing. I've been an artist and programmer most of my life and lived a very indoor life.
In 2020 was given the opportunity of a lifetime to revitalize a dormant farm and decided to take on the challenge. I dove into learning everything I could from anywhere I could about farm life.
Ultimately, my family and I decided we wanted to pursue farming practices that brought life back to the land. We utilize a no-till garden method, rotational grazing, as well as regenerative agriculture practices. Follow along with us as we create this year’s garden!
Learn the first steps in preparing your garden for planting. In this episode we cover soil preperation and inital garden setup.
1.WATER DRAINAGE
The first thing we need to address is the drainage system in the garden. My garden is not graded to prevent standing water; so, trenches need to be dug to direct water out of the garden.
When draining your garden, it is important to have the water drain out slowly to prevent removing any valuable topsoil from your garden. A minimum of four primary drain trenches will keep water moving out of the garden all season.
You can utilize the water draining from the garden for another area where you may need it. In my case, I am directing the water to the trees I recently planted right outside my garden. Doing so will allow the trees to absorb any excess water that may accumulate and further prevent standing water.
2.SOIL TESTING
Soil testing is an important and often overlooked step in prepping your garden for planting. Soil testing should be done at the start of the season before putting any plants in the ground.
Getting your soil tested is a simple process; kits are available in many garden centers and home improvement stores. After collecting your sample, simply follow the instructions on your at-home soil testing kit or take it to a local facility for testing.
I am using the local university for a more in-depth analysis. The university will be able to suggest any beneficial additives to ensure optimal growth and production this season.
WEEDING WALKWAYS
We use living walkways currently in our garden but living walkways still require regular maintenance to keep down grass and weeds. Using a weed eater to cut down the bulk of weeds and grass will speed up the process. Once the major trimming is done, begin ripping out the weeds that are encroaching on surrounding rows. Placing the shredded remnants of the weeds will deposit nutrients back into the soil as they decompose. Just be sure to avoid placing any intact weeds back into the walkways.
IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
A sprinkler system from any of the big box stores can be effective for your garden. However, if you are looking to up your irrigation system or have a large garden a custom irrigation system may be beneficial. For our garden we have developed a DIY sprinkler system using PVC pipe with sprinkler heads every 8 rows. The sprinklers will run in intervals keeping all the plants well-watered and protected from drought. Drip tape and soaker hoses are both great options for a similar irrigation system however drip tape will require more setup as well as a higher water pressure.
CREATING A TRELLIS
The next maintenance task we are taking care of today is ensuring the tomatoes are properly supported. We are using 10-foot poles and string to create a trellis. The frame of the trellis has holes drilled to attach string from one end to the other to create the top trellis string. Take another piece of 10-foot string and wrap it around the base of the plant. After wrapping the string around the plant tie it onto the above trellis string. The goal is to keep the string tight to keep the plants up off the ground and help alleviate some of the weight off the plant. You can use plant tape (non-adhesive tape) to secure the string around the base of your plant.
LET'S GET TO PLANTING
3.MAPPING ROWS
Planning the garden ensures you will get the most out of the space you have, whether that be a large area or a small raised garden bed. In my case, I have gone with 30-inch rows and 18-inch walkways which is standard for most market gardens.
The wide rows will allow for interplanting while the walkways will provide plenty of space for walking. To map the rows and walk ways simply measure out the spacing and mark each row with a stake.
After staking all rows, tie string to the corresponding stake on either end. Doing so will allow you to easily identify the areas of your garden and make the next steps; tilling and laying weed barrier easier.
MEET ANDREW BOUCHER
Building a farm was something I never thought I would be doing. I've been an artist and programmer most of my life and lived a very indoor life. In 2020 was given the opportunity of a lifetime to revitalize a dormant farm and decided to take on the challenge. I dove into learning everything I could from anywhere I could about farm life. Ultimately, my family and I decided we wanted to pursue farming practices that brought life back to the land. We utilize a no-till garden method, rotational grazing, as well as regenerative agriculture practices. Follow along with us as we create this year’s garden!
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
SOIL PREPARATION
May 16, 2022 | GARDEN, BOUCHER VALLEY FARMS
By Andrew Boucher, Boucher Valley Farms
1.WATER DRAINAGE
The first thing we need to address is the drainage system in the garden. My garden is not graded to prevent standing water; so, trenches need to be dug to direct water out of the garden. When draining your garden, it is important to have the water drain out slowly to prevent removing any valuable topsoil from your garden. A minimum of four primary drain trenches will keep water moving out of the garden all season. You can utilize the water draining from the garden for another area where you may need it. In my case, I am directing the water to the trees I recently planted right outside my garden. Doing so will allow the trees to absorb any excess water that may accumulate and further prevent standing water.
2.SOIL TESTING
Soil testing is an important and often overlooked step in prepping your garden for planting. Soil testing should be done at the start of the season before putting any plants in the ground. Getting your soil tested is a simple process; kits are available in many garden centers and home improvement stores. After collecting your sample, simply follow the instructions on your at-home soil testing kit or take it to a local facility for testing. I am using the local university for a more in-depth analysis. The university will be able to suggest any beneficial additives to ensure optimal growth and production this season.
3.MAPPING ROWS
Planning the garden ensures you will get the most out of the space you have, whether that be a large area or a small raised garden bed. In my case, I have gone with 30-inch rows and 18-inch walkways which is standard for most market gardens. The wide rows will allow for interplanting while the walkways will provide plenty of space for walking. To map the rows and walk ways simply measure out the spacing and mark each row with a stake. After staking all rows, tie string to the corresponding stake on either end. Doing so will allow you to easily identify the areas of your garden and make the next steps; tilling and laying weed barrier easier.
MEET ANDREW BOUCHER
Building a farm was something I never thought I would be doing. I've been an artist and programmer most of my life and lived a very indoor life. In 2020 was given the opportunity of a lifetime to revitalize a dormant farm and decided to take on the challenge. I dove into learning everything I could from anywhere I could about farm life. Ultimately, my family and I decided we wanted to pursue farming practices that brought life back to the land. We utilize a no-till garden method, rotational grazing, as well as regenerative agriculture practices. Follow along with us as we create this year’s garden!
RECOMENDED PRODUCTS