Farmers have practiced organic gardening for thousands of years. It is only in the later half of the 20th century, with the development and uses of chemical pesticides, that many are now returning to organic practices because of the healthy results they yield. The natural biodiversity of a *self-sustaining farm creates an organic environment - an environment that focuses on prevention. Chemical pesticides and their usage only treat symptoms of a problem; they cannot cure it. It is biodiversity that enables organic practices to work.

Biodiversity is practiced at Ayrshire Farm through the management of animal populations, hedgerows, and a large variety of heirloom and hybrid vegetables, herbs, and fruits. We practice crop rotation for the vegetables as well as for field crops, and a grazing rotation for the livestock. The combination lends to the creation of habitats for beneficial insects, songbirds, and wildlife which, in turn, aid in the pest control and improve soil fertility.

All vegetable production efforts begin in the greenhouse where vegetable and herb seedlings are started. During the fall and winter months, specialized indoor plants are over wintered and propagation experiments are conducted. The cold frames are used to grow specialized greens for Hunter’s Head Tavern during the cooler seasons.

The vegetable garden provides produce for the farm staff and Hunter’s Head from May through October. All the raised beds have been double dug, and raised bed frames are built using Ayrshire Oak. Over 200 varieties of vegetables, herbs and fruits are grown at Ayrshire Farm. The different directions of plantings are intentional as it serves to confuse insect populations which often settle in straight row crops. Intensive companion planting techniques are used to attract beneficial insects, provide better pollination and often create higher yields.

A new effort, started this year, is designed to protect both the fruits and vegetables from an ever increasing deer population. Invisible fencing now surrounds the entire vegetable and orchard areas, and pairs of shelter-rescued dogs are trained to the perimeter. Guarding vegetables are Molly and Madeline, two black Labrador retriever mixes. The orchard is patrolled by Haley and Tilly, two very busy, tail-wagging beagle mixes.