Thanks to the Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Ag Options Grant, WNC Communities, and the agricultural extension offices of Avery and Watauga Co. Skye Farm will be hosting our first Alternative Crop Production Workshop on September 10th from 4-6p.m. rain or shine. (please bring warm clothes, raincoats, and decent walking shoes.)
The Workshop will start by showcasing our new Lavender Venue Garden which was made possible through the Tobacco Trust Fund Commission grant. We will discuss lavender production on our farm including soil preparation, organic cultural practices, markets, and crop viability for our area. We will also cover the TTFC Grant opportunities for other small farmers in our community.
From our lavender garden we will walk up to our 1/3 acre hops yard discussing wild-crafting herbs to dry and sell along the way. The hops are in their second season and looking great. We will discuss hop growing in our area, organic practices including our IPM program which has been bolstered by Richard Boylan’s hard work helping us get new organic products to combat the ever prevalent pests and diseases.
After the hops we will walk further up the hill to our fenced garden area and discuss our garlic, mushrooms, asparagus, raspberry, flower and herb production, with an emphasis on cultural practices such as building raised beds, companion plants, value added crops, crop rotation and soil management.
Last but certainly not least we will end our tour discussing our hemp production and sharing our variety test results. After the group tour our farm will be open to self guided walking tours and I will be around to talk about any of our farming experience.
The event is open to all so please join us on September 10th at 4p.m.
1510 Old Beech Mountain Rd. Elk Park NC
Follow the gravel drive and signs up to the top of the mountain