Products from Michael Bell’s Dallas Half Acre Farm are undoubtedly different from vegetables from the supermarket. They taste better and contain more nutrients. It is likely to be attributed to the farmer’s organic approach to plant cultivation. Find out more information at dallas-name.
What is organic gardening?
Organic gardening is a method of growing vegetables, fruits and berries, grains and other agricultural crops that excludes the use of chemical plant protection products and mineral fertilizers, particularly nitrogen.
Growing plants on a big scale without the use of such chemicals is generally difficult, and yield indicators are substantially lower. However, products produced in this manner are more environmentally friendly. For an organic garden, a whole technological chain must be developed, including the selection of varieties and rootstocks, a system for fertilizing soils with organic components, mulching and a system of disease and pest prevention.
How Michael Bell built an eco-farm in Dallas
Michael Bell grew up in the rural Texas town of Bowie, where many families kept a farm. Michael began growing crops at a young age, assisting his grandma in the garden. Gardening has been his passion ever since.
However, the man reevaluated his favorite hobby after viewing a YouTube channel where they told how to make money by producing salads and veggies. Then Michael decided to do something similar. After conducting a little research, he discovered that fresh local vegetables are in high demand in Dallas. So Michael began looking for a plot of land that could be purchased and used for organic gardening. He found a half-acre lot six miles from downtown Dallas. As a result, he chose to name the future farm Dallas Half Acre Farm, since all of the beds are only half an acre in size.
In contrast to other farms that actively employ machinery and different chemicals to produce plants, Michael does all of the work by hand. He doesn’t use tractors or other huge machinery, which prevents gasoline, exhaust fumes or other hazardous substances from seeping into the soil.
Furthermore, the farmer is against using fertilizers and pesticides, even if they have specific certificates allowing them to be used in organic farming. Michael agrees that the lack of these substances complicates the process, but it also serves as a kind of test for him. The man developed a greater interest in novel growth techniques that would contribute to a more natural process, and, as a result, the plants became even tastier and healthier.
Michael does all of the tillage, seeding, transplanting, weeding, loosening and other activities by hand. Watering is the only thing that is automated here. Drip irrigation ensures that plants receive enough water. The water pump is powered by solar energy because there is no electricity on the farm.
Is there a demand for organic products in Dallas?
On the Farm Small Farm Smart podcast, Michael Bell stated that he found his target audience in Dallas, which also supports organic food. Since the farmer has a waiting list, his vegetables, salads and other greens are never wasted. All Michael needs to do is post the information stating that he has a particular product and its price, and in 99 percent of the situations, he will find those who are interested in purchasing the goods.
Michael Bell believes that everyone can grow organic veggies and herbs, thus he travels the Dallas-Fort Worth area speaking at congresses and giving talks at colleges and high schools to promote organic gardening. He also provides individual mentoring to aspiring farmers.