Belchertown, MA. Sustainable. Permaculture. Low-till. Mushrooms. Specialty crops. Regenerative. Soil health. Community.
Listen Here! Our own Chef Clarissa on NEPM!
Listen Here! Our own Chef Clarissa on NEPM!
CISA Local Hero Interview
Chef Clarissa’s “Fabulous 413” Interview on New England Public Media with CISA. Clarissa talks about what’s in season, how to prepare it, and where to find it!
What is “low-till”?
Chances are, you’ve heard of “no-till” farming. You know that soil health is all important. The less you disturb the ground, the more nutrients and carbon are held in the soil. At Grown Up Farm, we practice “low-till” farming. After the initial pass with our little tractor, to break up and loosen the ground, we never turn over the soil. We use a Tilther to add amendments, like compost, and a broadfork to gently lift and aerate our beds. In this way, we promote carbon sequestration while giving our crops all the nutrients they need to thrive. It’s just one part of our commitment to sustainable farming.
Mushrooms! Fungi! Dinner?
Yes! In addition to being a delicious source of protein, mushrooms are packed with micronutrients! The way we grow our fungi makes them an excellent source of vitamin D, potassium, zinc, and antioxidants. Oyster mushrooms are particularly well-loved for their immune boosting potential, and their delicate, savory flavor - which is why we grow several varieties! Cultivation is a science, as well as an art, and we are constantly working to create even more efficient systems to bring an abundance of high-quality, tasty fungi to Market.
Farmer’s Markets
If you’ve ever been to a Farmers’ Market, you know the feeling. That sense of joy and community. It’s our favorite thing about bringing our goods to Market. We get to meet other farmers, share stories and treats. We get to meet people who support local farms and businesses. It’s why we got into food in the first place!
Join Grown Up Farm this season at the Belchertown Farmers’ Market, South Hadley Farmers” Market, Easthampton Farmers’ Market, and Center Fresh Chicopee Market.