Companions in the Farm

Over the past month, my group has had the job of "companions." We have kept a running journal of plants and organisms that appear in the farm, and managed weeding. The log we kept has noted both beneficial and invasive species. The main invasive species noted have been:

*Aphids
*Spotted cat's ears
*Fox tails
*Dandelions
*Snails
*Voles
*Bermuda grass

All invasive plants found are placed into a pile. This pile is then disposed of properly so the seeds or plants do not spread further. Invasive species need to be contained and removed properly as they will out compete many of our crops. There were many invasive species in the farm but they are easily managed when weeded regularly. We can also use many techniques to prevent other organisms such as aphids and snails from entering the farm and affecting our crop yield. Integrated pest management focuses on the long term prevention of pests through many different techniques like biological control, habitat manipulation, and use of resistant species varieties. This is a great way to use natural remedies and preventative measures that can be taken to reduce pest impact. For example my group planted garlic on both ends of our bed as garlic is chemically known to ward away pests.

We also have noted many beneficial organisms on the farm as well. The main species spotted have been:

*Worms
*Monarch butterflies
*Bees
*Beetles
*Spiders
*Dragonflies

Seeing all these species means we have created an ecosystem that is preferable to these animals. They are also essential to biodiversity and many of them assist with soil and plant health. For instance the Bees help pollinate many of our plants. Beetles and worms help with decomposition and maintaining soil health. Butterflies are also great pollinators. We want to help encourage these beneficial species to stay in the farm as they will create a more bio-diverse and healthy we want to help encourage these beneficial species to stay in the farm as they will create a bio-diverse and more self sustaining ecosystem. The fact that we are already seeing many of the species means we are on our way to doing just that.

Maia da S.
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Redwood High School
http://www.redwood.org/stewart
stewart@redwood.org