Fresh, local, organically grown food.
Wild Onion Farms is a small sustainable farm in northern Johnston County. The farm was established in 2005, on what was formerly part of an old tobacco farm. I grow a wide variety of produce and culinary herbs. I also raise pastured laying hens, heirloom tomato plants, and herb plants. The farm is a little over 7 acres. About 2 acres are cultivated for produce each year. Another 2 acres of the farm are wooded, with the remaining areas left fallow or sown to cover crops for soil restoration.
I grow everything on the farm using strict organic methods. I use no chemical fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides or other poisonous sprays. Soil fertility is built through the use of cover crops, compost, and pastured laying hens. Pulverized limestone, kelp meal and other natural additives are sometimes used to promote crop health and good growth. I do my best to have as little negative impact on the environment as possible, and to create healthy soils that will support nutritionally-packed vegetables for years to come.
A plant's health is much like your own health - if you eat right and take good care of yourself, you'll rarely need to see the doctor. If plants are grown on healthy, well-balanced soils, they will rarely have pest or disease problems. In addition, I save some of my own seeds from year to year, which allows me to select those that have a natural resistance to stubborn pests or diseases, and that are particularly suited to the farm's microclimate.
Am I USDA Certified Organic? No. The government has simply made it too time-consuming and difficult for a small farm managed by one person to keep up with all of the requisite paperwork. I'd rather spend my time growing good food than filling out forms. I do adhere to or surpass all of the USDA's requirements for organic certification, I just don't have that pesky little piece of paper! If you are curious, you're welcome to come inspect the farm for yourself (please do so by appointment).
Where to get it? I sell produce, herbs, and eggs at two farmers' markets, through a CSA program, and to the occasional restaurant. I am at the Wake Forest Farmers Market on Saturdays, 8am-noon, April through December. I am also at the Moore Square Farmers Market in downtown Raleigh on Wednesdays, 10am-2pm, April through October. (*The Moore Square Farmers Market is moving this spring to City Plaza at Fayetteville St., and is renaming itself the Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market.)
I grow everything on the farm using strict organic methods. I use no chemical fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides or other poisonous sprays. Soil fertility is built through the use of cover crops, compost, and pastured laying hens. Pulverized limestone, kelp meal and other natural additives are sometimes used to promote crop health and good growth. I do my best to have as little negative impact on the environment as possible, and to create healthy soils that will support nutritionally-packed vegetables for years to come.
A plant's health is much like your own health - if you eat right and take good care of yourself, you'll rarely need to see the doctor. If plants are grown on healthy, well-balanced soils, they will rarely have pest or disease problems. In addition, I save some of my own seeds from year to year, which allows me to select those that have a natural resistance to stubborn pests or diseases, and that are particularly suited to the farm's microclimate.
Am I USDA Certified Organic? No. The government has simply made it too time-consuming and difficult for a small farm managed by one person to keep up with all of the requisite paperwork. I'd rather spend my time growing good food than filling out forms. I do adhere to or surpass all of the USDA's requirements for organic certification, I just don't have that pesky little piece of paper! If you are curious, you're welcome to come inspect the farm for yourself (please do so by appointment).
Where to get it? I sell produce, herbs, and eggs at two farmers' markets, through a CSA program, and to the occasional restaurant. I am at the Wake Forest Farmers Market on Saturdays, 8am-noon, April through December. I am also at the Moore Square Farmers Market in downtown Raleigh on Wednesdays, 10am-2pm, April through October. (*The Moore Square Farmers Market is moving this spring to City Plaza at Fayetteville St., and is renaming itself the Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market.)
Winter Schedule
Wake Forest Farmers Market:
Saturday, Dec. 5, 9am -3pm.
Saturday, Dec. 19, 10am - 12noon.
Saturday, Jan. 16, 10am - 12noon.
Saturday, Feb. 20, 10am - 12noon.
Saturday, Mar. 20, 10am - 12noon.
Pick up at the farm:
Wednesdays, Fridays, or Saturdays. Items must be pre-ordered through email (subscribe to the mailing list).
Pick up at the farm will be available Tuesday, Nov. 24; closed the remainder of the week for Thanksgiving.
The farm will be closed Dec. 20, 2009 - January 5, 2010.
Saturday, Dec. 5, 9am -3pm.
Saturday, Dec. 19, 10am - 12noon.
Saturday, Jan. 16, 10am - 12noon.
Saturday, Feb. 20, 10am - 12noon.
Saturday, Mar. 20, 10am - 12noon.
Pick up at the farm:
Wednesdays, Fridays, or Saturdays. Items must be pre-ordered through email (subscribe to the mailing list).
Pick up at the farm will be available Tuesday, Nov. 24; closed the remainder of the week for Thanksgiving.
The farm will be closed Dec. 20, 2009 - January 5, 2010.