What do sheep, regeneration of Maine farmland, and centuries-old traditions have to do with one another? Quite a bit, when it comes to Melissa Schneider, shepherd and landowner of Casa Portal. Along with herding and sustainable land management, Melissa is one of many women farmers who are staking their place.

A good April seed-starting regimen can make all the difference for a farm’s revenue or the food it provides to a family. With the local climate in mind, there are many plants you can start this month. However, whether April weather is warm or still cool in your region determines which seeds you should sow outdoors or start inside.

As spring arrives, it’s time to kill cover crop plantings and either incorporate the plant matter into the soil or use it as mulch. In this article, I share the best methods for your farm’s specific crop and conditions.

Interseeding is a combinative practice that often involves planting a cover crop within another cropping system. The benefits of doing so are much more than space-saving, and they effectively change the farm’s function and its output.

Get the farm ready for spring with March soil amendments and field prep that boost yields and improve the farm long-term. Always start with a soil test and add organic materials every year to keep things healthy and productive.

If you’re wondering what to plant in March, there are options regardless of your location. Some crops are meant to start now to have hefty summer yields, while others bolster the market stand as spring begins to bloom.

As spring nears, it’s time to get the February soil checklist handy. Do these five things before the growing season starts to ensure plentiful yields and much success. You won’t regret the effort you put in come harvest time.