Seed to Harvest
Starting & Seeding
90% of seeds are started indoors in trays under growlights on heat mats. 10% are directly seeded into our fields and our indoor high tunnel area. Once they have germinated they are moved to a bright, sunny, warm area, where they can grow until they develop their first and second set of true leaves. At this point they are moved out into the high tunnel keeping a temperature of 70 degrees.
Planting & Harvesting
After the first frost date has passed (April 24-May 7 depending on weather) plants, are hardened off and planted outside in 4ft raised beds. Each flower variety is individually harvested at their optimum times, and conditioned specifically to their needs to ensure longevity and beauty.
Soil Amendments
Farm amendments
Hollyhock farm keeps and utilizes our chickens, ducks, goats, and rabbits - their manure is all put into our compost pile which is used to fertilize our flower beds and high tunnel growing space. We especially love our Ducks as they help to organically control insects and pests once the plants have matured.
Added amendments
We incorporate Natural Guard Organic HuMic Granular, an organic soil conditioner that enhances nutrient uptake and stimulates microbial life. We also use Nutri Rich Organic 4-3-2 fertilzer and we top all beds with at least 4-6” of organic compost. Throughout the growing season we will add a fish/kelp emulsion as we water each week.
