Together in the Field
You may hear about regenerative and sustainable farming practices today like "integrated pest management" and "conservation tillage" and ask yourself, "Now, what is that?" If you remember learning about the three sisters in school (beans, squash, and corn) that the Indigenous peoples of the Americas planted, then you already know how about companion planting.
Companion planting can also include integrating a variety of plants in a way that organically prevents pests. And marigolds are not only a beautiful yellow, but a perfect companion plant for a multitude of plants that feed us.
"no-till" farming aka "conservation tilling"
Building on what we know.
No-till farming isn't necessarily what it might sound like. It involves intention, care, and investment. The idea is to leave the soil as intact as possible so that the tiny life within the dirt can continue doing its hard work. However, that involves different equipment, skills, and often more money at first. But it all pays off in the long run for a more abundant harvest, a more sustainable world, and a cheaper system.
Inspired by these practices, we saw the mounds of dirt growing at the small patches of farms that we work and thought to ourselves, "So many people have worked to make the soil that we plant into a place that we can grow this food out of." This mirrors how we gather many other resources. We are never starting from scratch.
That is what many regenerative agricultural practices are pointing to right now. Rather than turning over rows and rows of dirt every season to replant, why not leave the soil to do its thing? Why not respect the wisdom of the ecosystem that we cannot speak the language of?
A part of Marigold Co. is listening to those who have already lived experiences that we haven't. We believe that conversations are a big part of education. We also think that each person has a lot to bring to the table as long as you think to ask. Remember that nobody is silent, though many are not heard. Work to change this.