Achieving Vibrant & Beautiful Plants 🌻with Less Water: Insights from Wild Valley Farms
Water conservation is not just an environmental buzzword; it's a necessity in today's world. As we face more prolonged periods of drought and changing weather patterns, every drop saved becomes crucial. Yet, as every plant enthusiast knows, a garden's vibrancy should not be compromised. So, is it possible to have a thriving garden while using less water? According to Wild Valley Farms, the answer is a resounding yes. 1. The Wool Pellet Revolution: One of the standout products on www.wildvalleyfarms.com is their unique wool pellets. These are 100% raw wool, a gift from our sustainable sheep 🐑farming efforts. When these pellets are introduced to the soil, they behave like a sponge, absorbing and retaining an impressive amount of water. This ensures that plants have a prolonged and consistent water source, making frequent watering a thing of the past. What's more, wool pellets release essential nutrients as they degrade, making the soil richer and more conducive for plant growth. 2. Laying the Groundwork with Soil Preparation: Before embarking on your planting journey, Wild Valley Farms underscores the necessity of proper soil preparation. As detailed on their website, integrating organic matter into the soil can enhance its water retention ability. This structural enhancement ensures that the plants have consistent access to water, minimizing the need to water frequently. 3. The Protective Shield of Mulching: Mulching is not just an aesthetic choice. As highlighted on www.wildvalleyfarms.com, it serves a dual purpose. It curbs the growth of weeds, which are notorious for stealing water and reduces evaporation from the soil surface, ensuring that the ground remains moist for longer. 4. Opting for Drought-Tolerant Plants: The website offers a treasure trove of information on plants that are adept at thriving with limited water. By choosing drought-resistant plant varieties suitable for your region, you're not only conserving water but also ensuring that your garden remains vibrant throughout the year. 5. Watering with Precision: It's not enough to just reduce the frequency of watering. The method matters. Wild Valley Farms champions the deep watering technique, ensuring the water penetrates deep into the roots, encouraging them to grow deeper. This method, paired with watering during cooler times, like early mornings or late evenings, guarantees minimal water wastage through evaporation. Conclusion: In the quest for water conservation without compromising the lushness of our gardens, www.wildvalleyfarms.com emerges as a beacon of knowledge and innovation. Through sustainable products like wool pellets and best practices rooted in years of experience, Wild Valley Farms guides novice and seasoned gardeners toward creating a garden that's eco-conscious and a visual delight. Dive into their website to explore a world where sustainability meets beauty and every drop of water is revered and utilized to its fullest potential.
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The story of Wild Valley Farms began over a century and a half ago, when founders first set foot in the U.S., they were driven by their Wild Valley Farms faith to the rugged terrains of Utah. Settling in the quaint town of Croydon, they embarked on a humble journey with chickens, a handful of cows and sheep.🐄🐑 With the evolving time the modest chicken farm evolved into a sprawling sheep and cattle ranch. Today, the farm, managed by Albert Wilde and his two sons, boasts over 200 cattle and a staggering 2,600 sheep. Their partnership in 2013 with Woodscape of Utah, a landscape product manufacturer, marked the beginning of a new chapter. This collaboration gave birth to a premium compost, and as demand grew, so did their vision. Recognizing the increasing desire for natural gardening products, Wild Valley Farms was officially established in 2015, bridging the gap between conscientious consumers and all-natural farm products. Experiments with WoolOne of the farm's groundbreaking products is the wool pellet. Drawing inspiration from their long-standing tradition of sheep farming in Utah, the Wildes ventured into creating an all-natural fertilizer using wool. Initial experiments were nothing more than Albert trying to help his wife grow healthy plants without the need of constant watering. “When we first began experimenting with wool, we were using it in its purest form. We placed some of the wool around our plants just before going on holiday. When we returned the plants were thriving, you never would have been able to tell they had not been watered for over a week,” said Albert. This led Albert down a path of researching the benefits of wool. Further research unveiled its rich nitrogen content and slow decomposition rate, making it an ideal fertilizer. Moreover, wool's exceptional water-absorbing capacity, up to 20 times its weight, ensures reduced watering needs for plants. As it absorbs water, wool expands, enhancing soil porosity and promoting robust root growth. The result? Thriving, healthy plants that require no additional fertilizers. Wild Valley Farms, with its commitment to sustainable farming practices and community education, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of American farming and the boundless possibilities of innovation. Wild Valley Farms' Wool Pellets: A Sustainable Gift for the GardenWool has long been cherished for its warmth and versatility in the textile industry. However, its application extends beyond clothing and blankets. Wild Valley Farms has introduced an innovative use for wool in the form of wool pellets, a sustainable solution for garden enthusiasts.
What are Wool Pellets? Wool pellets, as introduced by Wild Valley Farms, are a product derived from waste wool. This technology transforms wool, which would otherwise be discarded, into valuable pellets for gardening. The concept of using wool in gardens isn't new. Gardeners have recognized wool's potential as a fantastic fertilizer and weed barrier for years. Wool's inherent properties allow it to retain moisture, deter snails, and slowly release nitrogen as it biodegrades. With wool pellets, instead of placing wool on top of plants, gardeners can now integrate wool directly into the soil, enhancing its quality and fertility. Benefits of Wool Pellets 1. Moisture Retention: Wool's natural ability to retain moisture ensures that the soil remains hydrated, reducing the need for frequent watering. 2. Natural Fertilizer: As wool biodegrades, it releases nitrogen, enriching the soil and promoting plant growth. 3. Pest Deterrent: Wool pellets act as a natural deterrent for snails, protecting plants from these common garden pests. 4. Eco-friendly: By repurposing waste wool, these pellets offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fertilizers. Product Specifications Wild Valley Farms' wool pellets are graded as a 9-0-2 fertilizer. This means they contain 9% water-insoluble nitrogen, 1% available phosphate, and 2% soluble potash. The company claims that using their wool pellets can reduce watering by up to 25%, all while maintaining soil porosity. For those interested in purchasing, an 8-ounce bag of these wool pellets retails for $13.99 and is estimated to cover about 15 square feet of soil or nourish 6 gallons of soil. A Sustainable Choice The production of wool pellets is not just about gardening; it's about sustainability. During the wool processing phase, known as skirting, certain parts of the fleece, like the "bellies and tags," are set aside. These parts, which come from around the sheep's belly and rear, are usually discarded or sold for a minimal amount. By transforming these parts into wool pellets, Wild Valley Farms is ensuring that every bit of the sheep's fleece is utilized, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. Moreover, gardeners should note that these pellets carry the authentic fragrance of sheep. While this scent is noticeable when the pellets are fresh, it becomes discreet once blended into the soil. In conclusion, Wild Valley Farms' wool pellets are a testament to the endless possibilities of wool. They represent a fusion of tradition and innovation, offering gardeners an eco-friendly solution that benefits both the environment and their gardens. “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” - L.M. Montgomery
This will provide your gardens with the support needed to create healthy and productive gardens with each passing year.
Compost is decomposed organic material derived from two main components: "Greens” & “Browns.” It is made up from the layering, mixing- to provide oxygen for microorganisms to breath and break down the materials, and heating over time to kill seeds and pathogens of these two component categories. Studies show that using compost improves color, helps tomatoes and other plants stand up to common diseases. While considered a soil conditioner rather than a fertilizer, compost helps feed soil with a slow release of beneficial nutrients over time. It is best to add compost to soil each year to improve the overall soil structure increasing fertility and nutrients for growing. Mulch can be any matter, organic or inorganic, that you put down on top of your soil. Materials used for mulch include everything from crushed rock and plastic sheeting to wood chips, discarded newspapers, pine straw, grass clippings, leaves, and straw. Mulch can be laid down on top of compost or topsoil 1 to 2 inches deep, usually in late fall & early spring. Mulch can help to cut down on your gardening chores by helping suppress weeds and hold moisture in your soil. This sheltering layer also protects tender plants from frost and cold in winter, and from evaporation and heat stress in summer. In addition, mulch helps moderate soil temperature, keeping a porous surface to allow water to get to roots and prevent soil erosion.
It is now the season to flip through seed magazines and start dreaming!
The size of the soil particles will affect the level of porosity within the soil. Porosity is the pore space or small voids between the solid particles that contain either water or air. These pores or voids can be due to movement of worms, roots, expanding gases and soil additives. There are two main categories of soil porosity: micropores and macropores. These categories are based of the pore size or spaces. Depending on the size we can predict the levels of oxygen, nutrients, and the ability to retain water. The optimal porosity for plant growth is a ratio of both micro and macro-pores.
Wool pellets expand as they absorb water creating a space. That not only increase oxygen but holds the nutrients in the soil for root development. As they begin to biodegrade that space is replaced by air, increasing soil oxygen levels. Introducing worms to the soil will increase the porosity of the top inches of your soil. As they create deeper tunnels in the soil it will also help with drainage preventing root rot. Consider adding lettuce that can be harvested at ground level and the root system left. Once harvested the roots will die off leaving spaces for water, oxygen, and other nutrients to fill their space. Summer and gardening are inseparable whether you are enjoying your garden or produce from the garden is enhancing that day’s adventures. Summer memories are filled with sneaking grapes from the grape arbor, picking sugar snap peas or seeing who could fill their bucket full of berries first. One of the best memories is the anticipation of the melons. Each day searching for the melons under the big leaves, watching it grow and hoping that today is the day.
Also increasing the amino acids which are vital to protein synthesis and the producing of chlorophyll. Depending on your current soil nutrients once the flowers begin to form the plant will require higher levels of phosphorous and potassium. Phosphorous can help regulate the protein synthesis and energy transfer as the fruit matures. Potassium assists in the exchange of nutrients and water movement throughout the plant. Even with great care and providing a nutrient rich soil melons will provide a greater yield and increase flavor profile when active pollinators are present. Create an environment that will entice pollinators by planting a variety of herbs and flowers in concentrated areas near by. This will provide nectar, pollen and areas for nesting and attracting the pollinators to your garden.
As we provide the critical nutrients for our melons, they will soon become one of our favorite things to harvest in our gardens. The only difficult part will be deciding on which variety to choose. 3 that we recommend! Watermelons come in so many colors, shapes, and seed options that it can get overwhelming quickly. Sometimes starting with the old true and tested varieties is the way to begin. In the 1830s a variety nicknamed “Gypsy” made us all fall in love with watermelon. It has the traditional green and white stripes and is a long, large melon and can weigh up to 30 to 40lbs. This heirloom variety is called the Georgia Rattlesnake. This watermelon has a thicker rind and crisp sweet bright red flesh. When to Plant: after last frost Days to Maturity: 85-90 Fruit Weight: 30lb Mature Spread: 72-96in Cantaloupe is the perfect pairing to almost any summer event. The heirloom variety, Hearts of Gold provides beautiful 3lb round melons, with thin rinds and sweet orange flesh. This variety is not only known for its intense rich flavor but how early it ripens. Roland Morill out of Michigan created this new variety by crossing the Osage and Netted Gem melon varieties. When to Plant: after last frost Days to Maturity: 80-90 Fruit Weight: 3lb Mature Spread: 36 - 72in Armenian cucumbers are a melon and not a cucumber. They are also referred to as a snake melon or yard-long melon. They are slender with thin skin that can have color variations from dark to light green depending on the specific variety. The skin can be eaten, and the flesh is mild, crisp, and sweet. This melon is a versatile fruit as they are not only perfect for slicing fresh but can be added to both cold and hot recipes. These melons have been around a long time believed to come from the 15th century in Armenia. When to Plant: after last frost Days to Maturity: 70 Fruit Size: 24in Mature Spread: 48in
The ability to keep the benefit of water in the soil is its natural binding abilities. Water also has the natural ability to evaporate and leave the soil. To assist the soil in retaining the moisture needed the answers simplest solution is mulch. When adding a thick layer of natural mulch in and around the garden it not only absorbs water but reduces evaporation. Mulch has beneficial qualities that assist with supporting strong root growth by conserving moisture and regulating soil temperatures
When considering your layout, notice that plants require different water for optimal growth. Without taking this into consideration your watering schedule could leave some of your plants receiving more than they can use while others are depleted. Placing similar plants together can help you, focus on providing plants the perfect quantity needed. Placing herbs, spinach, and lettuces on a watering system that is less frequent. Where most of the cruciferous vegetables require a more frequent watering schedule will optimize your water consumption.
As gardener’s we understand the importance of preserving the earth and the responsibility to learn and use methods that safeguard the earth's resources. We can protect and use water with respect for the life that it creates. Understanding, that water is the very source in which we can create beauty in a way that enriches both the soil and one’s own soul. My Great Grandmother’s garden notebook was filled with flower sketches, garden layouts, and notes in the margins as she noticed through trial and error the relationship between plants as they grew side by side. Finding that different varieties thrive when planted together as they provide mutual benefits to each as they grow. As we explore this approach most known as companion planting, we will discover an increase in soil nutrients, see better yields, chase away pests, strengthen resilience against disease and attract pollinators. Remember that as always, the region in which you garden can influence the effectiveness of companion planting.
As we add companion planting into our layout, we can set our plants up to succeed knowing that corn, tomatoes, and rhubarb require more nitrogen. We can pair them with peas, beans, and clover which help fix the nitrogen levels in the soil. Another perfect partner for not only adding nutrients to your soil, but also absorbing water and decreasing nutrient run off, is using Wild Valley Farms Wool Pellets. This will help your garden grow stronger and more abundantly.
Planting varied sizes of plants together can also provide physical support and increase yield. Placing plants that thrive in partial sun and shorter in growth height, like lettuces and greens, will do great under taller plants such as peppers and tomatoes. Strong bushes can protect young bush beans and other plants from wind damage. When using companion planting for pest control there are three approaches. The first is planting to deter certain insects away from the area protecting the susceptible plants. The second is attracting and catching the insects and third is attracting friendly insects to the area to manage the issue for you. For example, aphids love gardens and if you want to deter aphids plant garlic and chives with your lettuce. Alyssum will attract hover flies and other beneficial insects that can assist in controlling your aphids from harming the greens in your garden.
Most diseases are of a fungal origin, making garlic and its high sulfur content a natural fungicide. Chives can help protect your rose bushes from black spot and even decrease scab in apple trees. The presence of pollinators is vital for your garden. Creating an inviting environment for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies will add to the beauty and health of your whole garden. Providing plants like sunflowers, honeysuckle, and a butterfly bush will attract them to the area. A wide variety of crops including melons need pollinators to produce a healthy crop. By adding herbs like fennel and dill near your melons it will not only add to the flavor buy will increase your crop yield. As you experiment with companion planting and adjust the layout of your garden accordingly you will be amazed with the results. The relationship between two plants can easily form a successful ecosystem that supports each other and the complete garden. Whether your goal is to increase soil nutrients, see better yields, chase away pests, strengthen resilience against disease, or attract pollinators, companion planting can provide a balanced approach to your gardening needs. 1. Walk around your space noticing the light and different temperatures around your home. Start with the area that gets the most sun or indirect sunlight. 2. Depending on what area you choose to start research the best plants for the light density in that area. Do not be discouraged if you suddenly realize that your home is lacking sunlight. There are species and varieties that can survive in lower light conditions. 3. Start small this is one of the main differences between your outdoor and your indoor gardens. The magic of your indoor space will evolve over time as you fall in love with each new plant. We suggest starting with 2-3 plants. Starting small provides you the opportunity to not only succeed but to learn and grow with your plants. 4. Be smart! All plants have unique qualities that are beautiful and sometimes dangerous. Please be aware of which plants are toxic to animals and children. Here are some of our favorites: The Peperomia plant family is an amazing choice for first time indoor gardeners. They are small plants, and most varieties grow slowly and rarely grow over a foot in height. Making them perfect for desktops, windowsill, and rooms with limited space. This plant family has more than 1500 species that have been recorded. Creating a diverse collection of stem patterns, colors, leaf shapes, and textures that are spectacular to enhance any space. Caring for most Peperomia varieties is easy as they are very forgiving. They do enjoy bright indirect light but can adapt to lower light. They require less watering as you will need to only water them when the soil is dry. Peperomia are non-toxic to children and pets. As we start into the winter months think about adding a peperomia to your home because the winter is when their growing season starts. These next plants are not just for adding aesthetics to a space, but they have added health benefits. All plants, absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis. The small openings on the underside of the leaves are called stomata and they help regulate the speed of photosynthesis. The larger leaves provide more surface area producing more oxygen. These next three plants are no exception they have been a part of many scientific studies and the results have proven they are some of the highest producing oxygen plants. As we continue to go about our lives, we find ourselves indoors more than ever which has led to a greater need of providing fresh air. Products have been developed to help with creating fresh clean air. Although many of those products can be putting chemicals into the air that can be harming our health. There are a lot of plants that are not only helping to oxygenate the world, but they also can remove harmful chemicals from the air helping to purify our environment. Here are three of our favorites. Do not forget to click on the links for more information on the other plants. Areca Palm formaldehyde, xylene and toluene Snake Plant benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene Money Plant benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene
The number 1 issue with our indoor plants is over watering. The root system not only needs water but great porosity for increased oxygen to survive. When a plant becomes waterlogged the root cells will rot creating an optimal environment for fungal and bacterial infections to thrive. Here are a couple of ideas to help your plants flourish in your home.
![]() In the gardening world no character is more feared than Jack Frost. All of our hard work and efforts to grow a beautiful and enjoyable garden can in one cold night turn black. While all of us want to enjoy the cooler days of fall and bask in the glory of our harvest, the thought of Jack visiting keeps us up at night. Have we done everything in our power to protect our wonderful garden? A few years ago after slipping on a nice warm wool jacket in the fall. I thought to myself that I wish I had something warm to put around my plants. The next spring we were contacted by a hat maker, asking us if we could use some of their rejected hats for our wool pellet fertilizer. Upon receiving the first shipment we quickly realized that this wool had a different purpose. At Wild Valley Farms, we have long asked ourselves, “How can we apply wool’s protective qualities to frost above the soil?” With the help of a friend who was searching for a purpose for her unusable wool hats we found the perfect answer. Woolly’s Frost Guards were created to be the perfect warm wool jacket to protect our gardens when Jack Frost inevitably comes to visit.
Did you know? A kilogram of dry wool placed in an atmosphere of air saturated with moisture releases about the same amount of heat as that given off by an electric blanket running for eight hours. This is because wool is Hygroscopic. Hygroscopy is the phenomenon of attracting and holding water molecules via either absorption or adsorption from the surrounding environment, which is usually at normal or room temperature.
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Use code FROST for 15% off your next Wild Valley Farms order! “For man, Autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together. For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad.” - Edwin Van Teale Though it’s mid-summer, there is still plenty of time to start on a garden that’ll produce well into the fall. A majority of our Wild Valley Farms family are located in Utah, California, New York. So, we’ve put together a list of fall vegetables perfect for growing in these states and their surrounding areas! The lists for each of these states are consistent in that they all include Leafy Greens. The hardiest vegetables for California weather include onions, cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, spinach, turnips, radishes, and asparagus.
Thanks for reading! What are your favorite fall-time vegetables? Check out our products! https://www.wildvalleyfarms.com/super-compost-tea.html https://www.wildvalleyfarms.com/wool-pellets.html |
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