Mission Statement

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." Those familiar with me know I receive great satisfaction and joy growing truly tasty and nourishing food.

Farming Methodology

Whidbey Green Goods 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".

At NO time are inorganic pesticides applied to the plants or producing ground.

For the 2009 season, production will come from 5 hoop houses with 3500 SF of growing space and a 6000 SF open air garden on Roseberry Lane. We are also expanding our operations to a site on Bailey Rd to nearly triple WGG's production capacity. Growing under plastic expands our growing season on both the front and back end of the Island's normal growing season.

To expand the offerings available to you, an integral part of WGG is to procure produce and other products from other farmers here on the Island. In past years, most of the vendors at the Farmer's Markets or CSA-type operations have supplied WGG. For 2009, WGG is pleased to announce the addition of several "new" operations to this expanding vendor list making Whidbey Green Goods your source for "Local Food for Local Folks."