Monthly Archives: November 2013

Three Workhorse Heirloom Tomatoes

Posted on November 22, 2013 by John Sherck

Every year I grow new heirloom tomatoes in the search for the best varieties for growing in Northern Indiana. Once in awhile, I come across a variety that has no flavor, or cracks so badly that I refuse to ever grow it again. … Continue reading →

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High-Tek and Low-Tek, together at last?

Posted on November 21, 2013 by John Sherck

I see two new mindsets rapidly emerging in our Michiana area regarding sustainable farming. The one embraces very cutting-edge technology and methods in order to produce local food. High-tunnels, fish farming indoors, distilleries, hydroponics, etc. are popping up like morels in May.   The other mindset has embraced … Continue reading →

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Calorie Crops, Carbon Crops and Staple Crops

Posted on November 20, 2013 by John Sherck

I thought I would take a crack at defining some commonly used terms around our farm. In an ongoing struggle to describe exactly what is the purpose of my business/passion, I find that these phrases get a lot of usage:  calorie crops, carbon crops, … Continue reading →

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Perennial Vegetables

Posted on November 20, 2013 by John Sherck

My interest in perennial vegetable production is two-fold. The first reason is to add an underscoring layer of stability and security to our farm. The idea of a food crop growing on the periphery of our cultivated beds with minimal attention … Continue reading →

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Tennessee Red Valencia Peanuts in your Northern garden

Posted on November 19, 2013 by John Sherck

I have been fascinated with raising peanuts in Northern Indiana for a number of years now. One variety has stood out in my trials: Tennessee Red Valencia. This Virginia-type peanut has produced good yields consistently (approximately 7 lbs. of dry, in the shell peanuts per 50 … Continue reading →

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Growing Upland Rice here in Northern Indiana

Posted on November 18, 2013 by John Sherck

  My first experience with growing rice in North Central Indiana was far more successful than I had anticipated. I believe the decision to grow an upland rice variety over a traditional paddy rice variety was the golden ticket. Upland … Continue reading →

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