Gardening Tips

from The Country Register NRGP | May/June 2021 Issue

A Story of Letters

Garden Tips From Picklebilly Farm

By Jayda Van Der Vorste

Picklebilly Farm is a small farm located between Belle Fourche and Spearfish, South Dakota. We grow farm fresh produce throughout our growing season. We also take our fresh grown crops to create a variety of homemade canned/pickled goods. Plus, we have an assortment of poultry on our farm, (chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, guineas, pheasants) that produce eggs that we sell, as well as, we hatch our own fowl each year on the farm.

When spring (finally) arises, we begin our season by starting seeds in our greenhouse to be later put into the garden. Once production starts, we then sell at our local Farmers Markets and other venues. But, we also put up a lot of our produce into our variety of pickled/canned goods that we sell as well. We have been farming for many years that started as a hobby, and for our own self-stability. This hobby turned into a business, Picklebilly Farm. Along the way, we’ve added 2 kiddos that are a huge part of it all, and help around the farm. They also love to help at the Farmers Market! There is no belter help on a farm than those that have been raised amongst it! They have learned so much throughout our family’s journey. They have many adventures to share and much more in the making! Here are a few tips we’ve learned along our journey.

*Depending on your garden/farm skills, start by knowing if you want to start your own seeds or purchase seedlings/plants from another source.

*Make a plan of what you want and are expecting from your growing space and set goals accordingly. Take into consideration the space you are working with and what you have for production expectations.

*If you have a small growing area or using pots or even small raised beds, it is best to choose more compact or bush varieties. Otherwise, there is an over-abundance of varieties to choose from for larger growing areas.

*If you have a larger growing area, make a plan more based on what and where your chosen plants prefer to survive and grow best. Certain fruits, vegetables, or decorative plants usually have a preference. They may like shade, maybe more sun, and of course soil conditions are a factor. Also, keep in mind some plants like to be placed next to each other, while others may be much more suitable to in a group of their own.

*Start with your soil. Certain plants like richer soils, while others can be grown in less rich, sandier, rockier, drier soils. Each plant, whether a production plant or not, it varies. *Choose a soil enhancer/fertilizer. At Picklebilly Farm we stick with more natural ways of conditioning our soil. We use compost and use natural fertilizer or chicken droppings. We work this mix into the soil every spring before any planting is stared. *Working the soil is key! Some Springs in our area are dry, some are wet. But, it is a must to make sure the soil is workable no matter what. Otherwise, your seedlings wont sprout and/or your plant roots won’t establish properly. *If planting in a large area, landscape fabric is a must! Not only does it cut down on weeding, the fabric will help keep in heat and make sure moisture is properly distributed. (We have many tips of quick ways to make the best of fabric.)

*Watering is the next key. Once seedlings/plants are established watering options is the next step for success. At Picklebilly Farm we have established a “pipe” drip line watering system. This can be linked to timers to ensure even and thorough watering. Drip systems eliminate many production problems such as fungus, rot, and many other issues that may arise with overhead watering and moisture settling on top of foliage. *If drip system watering is not an option, no problem. But, you need to take into consideration when and how long watering occurs. Certain plants do not like, as they say, “wet feet while they sleep.” So, for example, tomato and peppers prefer not to have wet leaves/stems at night. They do better with early morning watering (depending on temps) and prefer to be dry at night. But some crops aren’t as picky and/or thrive off a variety of moisture options.

*LET IT GROW*Now it’s the time to just enjoy and watch your bounty grow. Watch the seedlings turn into plants. Watch blossoms bloom, and wait for production to come in. *Harvest, Harvest, Harvest* Certain plants grow, produce, are harvested then are done. Some crops the more you continue to harvest, the more yield you get! *Lastly, make sure you appreciate production from start to finish. Whether you are a beginner, or the most experienced producer, every season there is something to learn and help you grow in many ways. Farming, gardening, producing can be looked at as a lifeline. The more you put into it, the more you can get out of it!!

Please Like, Follow, Share and reach out to us at Picklebilly Farm on Facebook!

Email us at Picklebillyfarm@yahoo.com or contact me personally at 605-645-2859

We would love to hear any feedback from you whether you farm, garden or just interested in small town farms in your growing area!!!