Andrew Adams of Hope Farm Organics
Photo by D. Rigo
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Since 1973, Johnny’s Selected Seeds—an employee owned company—has collaborated with innovative farmers and gardeners to offer seeds tool and information that will help growers be successful and feed their communities. Johnny’s 40-acre research farm is the heart of the company and it is where they trial thousands of varieties and tools every year. Growers are always facing new challenges from plant disease to changing markets and our research team is dedicated to finding solutions. Please visit the growers library at the Johnny’s website to find technical resources like the winter growing guide, which has tips on how to plant and harvest into the shortest days of the year. You can also find variety comparison charts and extensive Jang roller trial results. The folks at Johnny’s are working hard to make 2021 a great year and they look forward to growing with you!
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Today, Clara Coleman talks with Andrew Adams of Hope Farm Organics in Newlands BC, Canada. Hope Farm Organics is at the 54th parallel, the farthest north on the series so far, experiencing less than 7.5 hours of daylight on December 21st, the shortest day of the year. It's also located in the coldest and wettest geoclimatic zone in the Prince George Forest District, with winter lows as cold as -40 where C* and F* meet.
Outdoor planting doesnt begin until late /may, frosts can still occur in July, and the end of the outdoor growing season is in September. Andrew likes to joke his Summer growing conditions are the same as NC in Winter. Despite these challenges, he and his family cultivate 2 acres using greenhouses and caterpillar tunnels and sell produce year-round.
A passionate forest ecologist and conservationist, he is committed to sustainable living and local food production, while increasing his effeciencies and profit in an extremely challenging climate. It's a humbling reminder of how much easier it is to grow in the winter here in Maine.