With Spring officially upon us, activities at our Research and Education Seed Farm are underway. Unlike many conventional farms, we take particular measures in order to observe certain traits or conditions as part of our vegetable trials.
We use a number of separation methods to best observe certain crop traits as part of our research. Our three fields and greenhouse are purposefully distanced so we can grow multiple crops of the same species while avoiding cross-pollination.
Partial aerial view of FarmFolk CityFolk's Research and Education Seed Farm.
Other methods of separation we consider include timing and containment. Timing is a powerful tool when it comes to biennials. For example, multiple varieties of the same plant species can be grown simultaneously, provided only one is in its second year of growth. As long as plants of the same species are not flowering at the same time, there is no possibility of cross-pollination.
When distancing and timing are not possible, containment can be used. This can be especially useful for wind-pollinated crops which require long isolation distances. Containment involves separating certain plant varieties within an isolation tent that prevents pollen from entering. This year we plan to isolate our White Winter Kale Sprouts breeding project.
Stay tuned for updates on our website and social media channels.
We hope to welcome many of you to our Seed Farm for volunteer events. Be sure to save the date for our second annual Summer Solstice Gathering on June 20th, 2021. Physical distancing of six feet will be required.
If you are interested in volunteering at the farm, please fill out this form.
Isolation Distance Recommendations
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