Rusty Top Farm

11/21/2024

The wait is almost over! There's a nip in the air, and seed catalog season is upon us. Everyone at Baker Creek -- from the seed growers to the gardeners, photographers, writers, and designers -- has a part to play in making our beautiful catalogs. We're excited for you to see them! Get yours: www.rareseeds.com

11/21/2024

In nature, plants often thrive when they're together, supporting each other's growth—just like us. Companion planting is a permaculture technique where certain plants help one another by deterring pests, improving soil health, or providing shade.

At Vital Roots Foundation, we believe in the strength of community and the resilience that comes from supporting one another. Just as plants benefit from their companions, we too can grow stronger together.

Try planting marigolds alongside your vegetables. Marigolds naturally repel pests like nematodes and aphids, helping your garden flourish without the need for chemicals.

Have you experimented with companion planting in your garden? Share your favorite plant pairings or experiences below! Your insights could inspire fellow veterans on their permaculture path.

Let's cultivate growth and resilience together. 🌾

11/21/2024

🌟 : Meet Farmer John 🌟

After serving 21 years in the U.S. Army and facing the challenges of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, I found my path to healing in an unexpected place—through the soil beneath my feet. 🌱 At Rusty Top Farm, my urban farm in Brea, CA, I discovered the power of nature to not just grow food, but to grow peace, purpose, and community.

Today, I’m proud to channel my passion for regenerative agriculture and veteran support into the Vital Roots Foundation. Our mission is to help veterans heal and reconnect through permaculture, community gardens, and nature-based wellness programs.

Through initiatives like school gardens, food forests, and peer-led agricultural projects, we’re not just planting seeds in the ground—we’re planting seeds of hope for veterans who need it most. 🌾

But the dream doesn’t stop there. One of our biggest goals is to build a veteran wellness retreat center on our land in Costa Rica—a sanctuary surrounded by nature where veterans can immerse themselves in healing, connection, and sustainable agriculture. This land will serve as a space for deep personal growth and lasting transformation, inspired by the beauty and resilience of nature itself. 🌴💚

Help Us Grow the Roots of Strength! 🌱
We’ve launched our Roots of Strength campaign on GivSum to cover the startup costs for the Vital Roots Foundation. Your support will bring us one step closer to creating programs and spaces that empower veterans, heal communities, and cultivate sustainable solutions for the future.

👉 Donate today: https://tinyurl.com/ytkrdbzp

Together, we can grow something beautiful—starting in the soil and blossoming across the world. 💚

11/20/2024

🌿 Comfrey Propagation Test! 🌿

While harvesting comfrey for a local gardener today, I decided to experiment with how well comfrey grows from different-sized cuttings. From full root crowns with leaf stems to small, "ugly" pieces, I’m testing it all to see what works best!

I’m using 5x5 Bootstrap Farmer trays and a nutrient-rich growing medium for this experiment. Will the crown pieces outperform the smaller cuttings? Can those tiny, odd-shaped bits still thrive? Let’s find out together!

Comfrey is an incredible plant for regenerative farming—perfect for compost, soil health, and even as a living mulch. Stay tuned for updates on how each cutting grows! 🌱

Do you have experience propagating comfrey? Share your tips in the comments! 👇

11/19/2024

🌱 Comfrey Cuttings for Sale! 🌱

Big news from Rusty Top Farm: I’m now offering comfrey root cuttings to help your garden thrive! These cuttings are perfect for companion planting and boosting soil health. 🌿

I personally use comfrey in grow bags alongside my bananas and peppers. It’s a regenerative powerhouse—drawing up nutrients, improving soil structure, and providing natural fertilizer when its leaves break down.

🛒 5 cuttings for $20
Whether you’re looking to enhance your garden’s productivity or experiment with companion planting, comfrey is a must-have.

Interested? Message me to grab your cuttings while they last! Let’s grow regenerative gardens together.

11/11/2024

🌿 A Big Milestone for Rusty Top Farm 🌿

Today, on Veterans Day, I’m thrilled to introduce something that’s been a long time coming: the launch of Vital Roots Foundation ! This nonprofit has been a dream of mine, rooted in the belief that nature has the power to heal. 🌱

About Vital Roots Foundation

As veterans, too many of us face silent battles, with far too many losing hope. Vital Roots is dedicated to creating a supportive community where veterans find healing, purpose, and connection through the healing power of nature—right in their own homes, neighborhoods, and gardens.

How You Can Help

Like & Follow to stay up-to-date on our progress

Share with friends and family to spread the word

Support: We’re hosting a "Roots of Strength" fundraiser through Rusty Top Farm to directly support Vital Roots.

Every donation goes toward helping veterans grow a healing space of their own.

Donate here: https://tinyurl.com/ytkrdbzp

This Veterans Day, join me in planting seeds of hope and resilience across the nation. Thank you for being part of the Rusty Top Farm community and for your support in this new chapter with Vital Roots Foundation. Let’s grow and heal together. 🌿

With gratitude,
Farmer John

11/09/2024

**Public Statement from Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)**

California Farmers, Farmworkers & Food System Advocates: Standing Together in Uncertain Times

In the wake of this week’s election, we at Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) know that our country and California’s agricultural community now face a period of uncertainty. Federal programs and agencies that support our farmers, particularly small-scale and sustainability-focused farmers, may soon be in flux, while immigrant farmers and farmworkers could be at risk. That’s why we’re urging our community to prepare, be vigilant, and to make your voice heard.

At this moment, CAFF is working closely with partners across the country, with plans to meet this month with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) to advocate for the needs of family farms. We commit to fighting any policy shifts that favor corporate interests over small farms, that ignore the climate crisis, or that threaten hardworking farmworkers—our neighbors, friends, and colleagues.

Farm communities across California should stay informed on the new administration’s appointments to agriculture-related cabinet positions, as these choices will influence our sector’s future, in ways that may not align with our values. If you have recently been awarded a federal grant, we encourage you to execute your contract as soon as possible to ensure you have ongoing access to awarded funds.

We also recognize that immigrant farmworkers, not to mention many farm owners themselves, could experience challenges to their status here in the US. In light of recent campaign rhetoric, a proactive approach is crucial. Stay informed about your rights and those of your colleagues, develop crisis plans for your farm, gather any paperwork, and research immigration attorneys in your region.

Despite what might happen in Washington DC, here in California we remain committed to addressing the climate crisis and advancing sustainable agriculture. We’re particularly proud of the recent passage of Proposition 4, a state Climate Bond that will invest billions into clean water initiatives, climate crisis response, and regenerative farming practices.

Over the next four years, CAFF will persist in our mission while holding firm to our six core values: ecological stewardship, justice & equity, practical solutions, economic fairness, centering farmers, and strong local communities.

We invite you to join us in this work as we continue to fight together in support of California’s farmers, farmworkers, and local food systems.

Sincerely,

Dawnie Andrak, Board Chair
Sarah Keiser, Board Co-Chair Elect
Michelle Basso Reynolds, Board Co-Chair Elect

https://caff.org/california-farmers-farmworkers-food-system-advocates-standing-together-in-uncertain-times/

11/09/2024

For the 11th consecutive year Dr. Seza Barsamian’s dental office will host their Annual Veteran’s Day Event where they dedicate their entire day to serving retired veterans. “We love all our veterans and when there is love, there is always an opportunity to serve,” Dr. Barsamian said. Vetera...

11/08/2024

Author and psychologist Michael Rosmann talks about his new book, the stresses and struggles facing farmers and ranchers, and help that works.

11/07/2024

🌱 How We Make Our Natural Fertilizer-Charged Biochar & Worm Casting Soil Amendment 🌱

At Rusty Top Farm, we’re all about sustainable, powerful soil solutions that boost plant health and nourish the land. One of our favorites? JADAM JLF-charged biochar with worm castings! Here’s a peek at how we make this nutrient-packed soil amendment that’s perfect for regenerative farming:

Step 1: Prepping the Biochar – We start with biochar, a charcoal-like material that’s incredible for holding nutrients and supporting beneficial soil microbes. Think of it as a sponge for nutrients!

Step 2: Charging with JLF (JADAM Liquid Fertilizer) – Next, we soak the biochar in JADAM JLF, a natural, homemade liquid fertilizer that’s rich in nutrients from fermented plant materials. This “charging” process supercharges the biochar, infusing it with vital nutrients that plants love.

Step 3: Adding Worm Castings – Finally, we mix in worm castings, our farm’s own rich, earthy addition full of beneficial microbes and organic matter that enhances soil structure and fertility.

Application – We use this soil amendment to enhance our beds and give seedlings the ultimate nutrient boost. The combination of biochar, JLF, and worm castings keeps the soil healthy, boosts plant growth, and promotes long-lasting soil health.

By using sustainable, regenerative methods like these, we’re able to give back to the earth while supporting robust plant growth. Ready to try it yourself or want to learn more? Drop us a message! 🌿

11/06/2024

🇺🇸 A Heartfelt Veterans Day Surprise! 🇺🇸

Today, the students at Arovista Elementary filled my heart with gratitude and joy. They had a wonderful surprise in store—an incredible banner, handwritten notes, and homemade cookies in honor of Veterans Day. 🍪❤️

But the best part? We got to roll up our sleeves and transplant their seedlings into the garden together! Watching them nurture these young plants reminded me why we do what we do. It’s about inspiring the next generation to grow, connect, and give back to their community.

Thank you, Arovista Elementary, for this thoughtful tribute and for letting me be a part of your garden journey. 🌱💚

11/05/2024

Steven Ferguson is a Marine Combat veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, having served 9 years in the Marine Corps as an infantry Marine and combat instructor. Dur…

11/05/2024

🌱 Oops! Missed the Halloween Memo! 🎃

Looks like our pumpkin vine at Rusty Top Farm didn’t get the Halloween memo this year! Instead of being front and center for the spooky season, it’s out here making itself at home… and apparently trying to make friends with (or strangle!) our dwarf banana! 😂🍌

Farming is full of surprises, and sometimes nature has its own plans. We may have missed Halloween pumpkins, but we’ll have an interesting story and maybe a surprise harvest on the way. Here’s to the unexpected twists and turns of growing our own food!

11/04/2024

Heroes to Hives What is Heroes to Hives? Heroes to Hives is the nation’s largest agriculture training program for US military service members. Our FREE 9-month online intensive beginning be…

11/03/2024