Farming Methodology

The goal of Whidbey Green Goods (WGG) is to initiate and maintain a small-scale, economically successful, biologically based food production system using low-input production practices. Translation: Produce and deliver green goods to you as if they were coming out of your own garden and make a buck in the process.

The owner of WGG is Michael Nichols, also known as "Dr. Dirt". His college training is in Soil Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin. He worked for the Soil Conservation Service as a Soil Scientist and once owned a soil consulting firm in Seattle named ABC Dirt/Soil Scientists.

 A vegetable garden was always part of the landscape as he found that "earth/food connection" revitalizing.  With cooking as a hobby, he became quite disenchanted with the produce offered at the grocery. When WGG  moved to its present location, the first addition to the property was a greenhouse. Soil and the edible plants it produces are "what he was born to do" Why should you select WGG over other sources?

Our passionate, almost obsessive, drive to deliver fresh produce to your doorstep. It would be far easier to "pick all the beans" at one time, chill them down and dole them out on your delivery day. But for those of us who know fresh, we can discern the difference in moisture content, texture, smell and taste of a fresh picked bean.

Farming Methodology

Whidbey Green Gooss implements what is called best farming practices or "naturally grown". We are not "Certified Organic” nor plan to become certified.  That said; growing methods are 99% “organic”.  Planting areas receive a heavy dose of compost, integrated pest management schemes deter rather than eradicate (tricky in the greenhouse setting), companion planting options and beneficial crop rotation sequencing are practiced.  However, seed sources and purchased plant starts may have a questionable origin as to "organic". 

Optimum production under plastic calls for vigorous cultural and organic chemical regimes. At NO time are inorganic pesticides applied to the plants or producing ground. 

For the 2008 season, production will come from 5 hoop houses with 3500 SF of growing space and a 6000 SF open air garden.  Growing under plastic expands the growing season on both the front and back end of a normal cycle for a crop.  Additions to your delivery will also come from other Whidbey growers; this season, particularly flowers, potatoes and onions.

Our Futrue

As many of you know, 2006 was the inaugural year for full scale operations. The infrastructure is now in place and have started an aggressive soil-building program. Resources will be invested to establish the cut flower garden and the small fruits, particularly blueberries, raspberries and table grapes. We are also in the process of setting bee hives on the property for both pollination and the honey.

And lastly, significant time will be spent developing the "local food for local folks" network. The vision is to be able to offer meat, flours, breads and baked goods, jellies and preserves, apples and other large fruits and fresh pastas in the delivery service.

My goal is to initiate and maintain a small-scale, economically successful, biologically based food production system using low-input production practices.  Translation: Produce and deliver green goods to you as if they were coming out of your own garden and make a buck in the process.  Those familiar with me know I receive great satisfaction and joy growing truly tasty and nourishing food.