Living at a Rural Farm with a Herb-Based Business
In this section, explore the harmonious life of farming in the countryside while building a successful herb-based business. From growing organic herbs and creating herbal products to the joys and challenges of rural living, this category is your guide to living off the land in a meaningful way. Whether you’re interested in starting your own herbal garden, learning about the therapeutic properties of different herbs, or diving into small-scale farming and sustainable practices, this blog offers insights, tips, and personal stories to inspire and inform your herbal journey. Join us as we share the practicalities of rural farm life, growing and crafting with herbs, and cultivating a thriving business that connects with nature and community.
Field of Dreams – Lavender
The farm property we live on was established as a farm 200 years ago by an Irish immigrant family. The property has fertile, nutrient rich clay soil. I had worried about how much moisture the clay would be for a lavender, which likes to not have wet roots! But I decided to try 5 varieties of lavender and see if any of them would thrive. I took several online courses on lavender growing and learned everything I could about it’s care.
It was important to me that the field was low maintenance, and farmed using organic practices. As a nod to the original farm family, we used a very old wooden plough found on the property to plow the first row.
I found after my first year, that despite wanting to NOT use any plastic in the field, the weeds were overtaking the lavender and I needed to rethink adding landscape fabric to help with the maintenance and give the plants more room to grow.
After more than a year the plants were doing well enough to harvest. Their long stems were perfect for bundles and for creating some all natural products for our farm shop, the Comfrey Cottage.
