Farm to School

The Wily Carrot is excited to a part of the local Farm to School program here in Montezuma and La Plata counties.  For the second year, the farm will be growing fresh, organic produce for the kids in Cortez, Mancos, Durango and Ignacio school districts.  So far, the farm is growing tomatoes, carrots, radishes, onions, basil, cilantro for the schools.

Thanks to LiveWell Montezuma, the school food directors and everyone else that helped to make this happen!

Durango Farmers Market

Last year the Wily Carrot made the switch from the Cortez Farmers Market to the Durango Farmers Market.  While we loved the customers and other vendors in Cortez, Durango offered a larger clientele and a chance to sell more veggies.  We were situated between the venerable Stone Free Farms and another first-timer, Dustin with Stubborn Farms.  Although the early mornings were sometimes a struggle, the markets were a lot of fun and gave us a chance to meet a lot of folks who love fresh, organic produce.  We'll see you all this May!

Hmmm, no potatoes yet so this looks like a market in early July.  

Nadia was a great farmhand and market buddy!

Moms are great marketers

Easter egg radishes are delicious and add much needed color to the market stand.

Early market in September with the folks visiting!

 Another busy market day in September

Beets!  The gold beets add flavor and color to beet recipes.

Farmin' in 2012

2012 was a busy, productive season at the Wily Carrot and we didn't get a chance to take a lot of photos.  But, here are a few highlights, including a new barn and hoophouse!

Weber Canyon Fire

The Weber Canyon Fire in June of 2012 burned through the foothills surrounding Mancos and got within  a few miles of the Road G farms.  With mandatory evacuations and road closures beginning on Friday evening, our market produce was trapped on the farm.  Luckily, a friendly neighbor stopped by the farm as he was being forced out and loaded up all of our produce in his station wagon.  Thanks Chad!

The logo!

The second season begins!

Even tho' there is still snow around, the Wily Carrot has had its first harvest! The farm is trying microgreens this year. Microgreens are tiny edible greens grown from the seeds of vegetable and herb plants, ranging in size from 1 to 2 inches long. Used as a garnish and flavor component, they are popular amongst chefs and foodies!

        The first round of microgreens started under lights in the house.  Since each variety requires different growing times, light requirements and harvesting techniques, a lot of experimentation is necessary to get everything sorted out!

                   The red plants in the back is amaranyth which is mainly used for its beautiful color.  PacChoi is in the front and adds a nice bite to a microgreen mix.

                      Radishes are the fastest growing microgreen that we grow and add a sharp, distinct flavor to the Asian microgreen mix we sell.  They also have beautiful pink stems which look great on a plate!

                                        This is one of the first ready-to-eat mixes which include amaranyth, radish, pac choi, and arugula..

The WC is CNG!

The farm has just been Certified Naturally Grown!  CNG is a grassroots alternative to the Certified Organic program for farmers who use organic principles.  It's a community-based program where, following an application process, local farmers inspect your farm to ensure that you are farming in a sustainable manner, without the use of synthetic fertilizer and pesticides. 

You can find the organization, and other farms who are Certified Naturally Grown, at Certified Naturally Grown.