The hot humid, rainy Summer weather here at Worden Farm is more suited for farm improvements, equipment repairs, and planning than for crop production. The fields have all been tilled under and have been planted with our cover crops, Sudex, a sorghum-Sudan grass, and Sunn Hemp, a sub-tropical legume. In preparation for next season, we have tilled and planted a new field that we are bringing into production after it has been fallow for several years. 

Here a photo of the new 'back field', just after the cover crop had started to come up: 

 

Farmer Chris has also been busy installing a new culvert in one of the existing fields that has experienced some flooding in the past. As you can see, there's plenty of water that accumulates this time of year, and on and off throughout the growing season. An extensive system of ditches prevent water from sitting in the fields. This culvert will improve drainage for our vegetable crops when heavy rain events occur during the growing season.  

Since the farm is relatively quiet at this time of year, Dr. Chris Worden and Dr. Eva Worden have time to focus on growing the organic agriculture movement in Florida and beyond. They are consulting with many individuals and groups to help establish and operate successful organic farms.

  

The Wordens will be meeting with several more farmers this summer to advise and encourage them on the path of organic agriculture. There are many challenges to this type of vegetable production, but the Wordens have gained much knowledge from their years in academia, as well as practical experience over the last ten years on the farm, and they offer helpful insights and strategies to beginners. 

  

1. Worden Farm Market in Punta Gorda
2. Classic Box Delivery sites in Fort Myers, Upper Captiva, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Englewood, Nokomis, and Venice
3. Farmers Market Credit for our markets in St. Pete and Sarasota