Like that of our daytime feathered friends (see Birdhouses & Owl house), Bats play an integral part in our Pest Management strategy once night falls. The average North American bat can consume over 500 mosquitos in an hour… and that is not all they eat. Mosquitoes and other insects can play havoc on the enjoyment for both farmer and farm [...]
ABC acres understands the critical role that pollinators play in our local ecosystems... without them, we would not be able to feed ourselves. As a result, we have gone to great strides to incorporate Permaculture Design Principles in developing habitat-friendly landscapes. Landscapes planted with plants / trees for abundant pollen availability throughout the seasons, as well as earthworks and specific [...]
We know for a fact, that as you continue to implement the design science behind a Permaculture based food system, life wants to happen. In mimicking natural settings through Permaculture design, predatory species like birds, have a natural place in the scheme of things… they are your Pest Management. Hummingbirds, Bluebirds, Robbins, Wrens, Kestrels, Red Winged Blackbirds, Swallows, Owls, Redtail [...]
We are happy to have a number of cattle that call ABC acres home. Presently we have four Scottish Highlands which are the foundation for building our future beef herd, while trialling two Black Angus in comparison. The Highlands' hardiness in colder climates, strong immune systems, and heightened efficiency as grazers and browsers make them an ideal addition to our [...]
Chickens are an active partner of ABC acres in helping us realize our long term goals. Meat, eggs, fertilization, pest & weed management, as well as happy, energetic companions, are many of the roles this feathered friends play. Afforded clean, healthy pasture, the chickens make the most of their daily outdoor time. From sun-up to sunset, the chickens are spending [...]
Utilizing the Permaculture principle of extending edge, we opted to design and install a unique growing bed built on the principles of South American Chinampa beds. Dating back hundreds of years, these Chinampa beds were floating edible gardens built on floating racks of bamboo and topped with rich organic matter. Through capillary action from the water below, the Chinampa beds [...]
Of all our earthwork projects at the farm, the Crater Garden is the largest and most impressive to date. At just over 1 acre in size, we combined the design concept of the Crater Garden with that of Hugelkultur. The basic premise of the CG is to go below existing grade with your earthworks. By creating a ‘hole’ in the [...]
Each farm animal plays an important function on the farm… our goats are no different. The purebred Nubian goats provide our family with year-round milk, while also doing a fair share of weed management along the way. In addition to milk production, their milk provides opportunity to make yogurt, ice cream, cheese, buttermilk, sour cream, as well as body care [...]
From early-season start production to enjoying winter tomatoes, we are blessed to have the use of a year-round greenhouse. The design of the greenhouse has multiple strategies at play to increase productivity twelve months of the year. The GH is sighted 4’ below grade, which allows for the thermal mass of the earth to moderate temperature fluctuations, thereby taking the [...]
Our Fedge (aka Food Hedge) is a living hedge that offers edible fruits, privacy, security and wildlife fodder throughout the year. Extending just over 750’, the hedge is designed with two rows of plantings running the inner and outer side. Prior to planting the hedge, we set about trenching the entire two runs and placing woody material within to promote [...]
