The Farm

Set on the South Shore of Nova Scotia on a drumlin hilltop with a sweeping view, Watershed Farm is home to an ever-evolving group of farmers dedicated to organic and biodynamic principles. We grow a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers which we sell at three local farmer's markets (Lunenburg, Bridgewater, Mahone Bay), through our CSA (Community Sustained Agriculture) and to local restaurants as well as supply food for our own events and workshops.

We use organic techniques, which means absolutely no chemical inputs of any kind; biodynamic principles inform our work and are increasingly being integrated into daily practice. The farm was previously certified organic with NSOGA and this season we plan to obtain our biodynamic certification. Most of our fieldwork preparation is done with the help of a draft horse and a very skilled friend, as is our woods work. Occasionally we rely on neighbours with tractors for turning in green manure crops. Our day-to-day work is done with simple hand tools.

Our soil is maintained and fertilized through crop rotation, compost, green manure crops, composted cow manure supplied from a neighbouring beef farmer, as well as occasional truckloads of seaweed. Developing a self-sustaining farm fertility cycle is an important philosophical and practical goal. At present, a small flock of laying hens, too many boisterous heritage breed roosters and some very amusing Indian Runner ducks reside in the chicken house, which allows free run access to an outdoor forage area. This season, we will expand this fertility (and food) source into a pastured chicken operation, while also acquiring a few heritage breed sheep, who will feed on our twenty cleared acres of pasture.

                 

                                 

The property boasts a chicken house, a small orchard, two large root cellars, two irrigation ponds, a greenhouse and hoop house, twenty acres of pasture and a lower meadow. The remainder of the 250 acres consists of woods (Forest Stewardship Council certified) with a brook, a river and a pristine lake.

There are two strawbale buildings on the site. One is the large farmhouse where we share common meals and the other is a fully appointed cabin with accommodation for up to seven. Both buildings have housed workshop participants as well as WWOOFers (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) and farm apprentices. The finished barn contains facilities for a range of activities including a second dorm, a purpose-built workshop area used for yoga, film presentations and concerts, as well as a barn-like workshop space suitable for events like the Annual Stinking Rose Garlic Festival. There is also a small wood cabin used by longer-term residents. Once entirely off-grid, the farm’s wind generator and solar panels are now used in conjunction with NS Power.

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