People often ask if Untiedt’s is an organic farm. Here’s the simple answer: No. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t care immensely about operating in environmentally sustainable ways that provide the highest quality produce to our customers.
We have chosen not to seek certification from the USDA because it would require us to compromise some of the best farming practices for the natural environment around us. There are so many things that we do here at Untiedt’s Vegetable Farm that go beyond being organic to work toward the greater good of our community.
Amending the Soil
We use techniques that rebuild the soil and return natural nutrients to the land. This results in nutrition-rich produce on your table! Fish emulsion, worm castings, and liquid calcium are among the materials we apply to our soil.
We also spread composted manure and crop residue left over from the harvest. Applying all of this to the land adds soil microbes, bacteria, and trace elements necessary for healthy soil management. Read more >>
Saving the Bees
We grow plants that attract bees. Sunflowers, goldenrod, clover, and sorghum, to name a few, bloom constantly on properties all season long.
Pollination is critical to the health and development of our crops, and we work with local apiaries to keep a steady and constant supply of beneficial bumblebees available to tend our crops naturally. Learn how you can support bees in your garden >>
Conserving Water
Drip irrigation allows us to conserve water by only watering the plant, keeping the aisles dry. This method uses 80% less water than overhead watering.
Protecting the Earth
We plant trees around the perimeters of our fields to act as a windbreak to decrease soil erosion, and to ensure trees aren’t sacrificed for farming. In addition, we never use herbicides in our high-tunnel operations. Ever.
Cherishing the Wetlands
We cherish our wetlands, instead of drying them. We place predator-resistant wood duck houses around our wetlands to cut down on detrimental insects – and because we love to view them. We also create food patches for the wildlife in the winter. Learn more about Land Stewardship >>
Our Values & Standards
Our values & standards drive everything we do, from honoring the land to honoring our customers. Read more >>
