Botany in the (Farm) Field

With most crops harvested and the first frosts in the past, Millbrook’s farm is in transition. Students from Leigh Schmitt’s Botany elective took advantage of a crisp and sunny morning to get their hands dirty working the land and planning for the next phase.

 

Thoughtful farm stewardship results in a healthier and more productive farm. Botany students focused their efforts on the squash patch, clearing vines, leaves, and other remnants of the harvested vegetables. Guided by farm manager Lyuda Pope, old growth was collected for compost, used to enrich soil in the future. “Squash is what’s called a “heavy feeder,” said Mr. Schmitt, “meaning that it depletes the soil of nutrients.” Students raked and hoed topsoil and spread winter rye seed, which will grow into a cover crop for the soil. “Cover crops prevent soil erosion and leaching of nutrients, add organic matter to the soil, aerate it via roots, and generally replenish the soil,” said Mr. Schmitt.