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Already behind
5th day of the year and I’m already behind. Today I received the mole and vole deterrent, so tomorrow is a big day. It actually works out great because it is going to rain and needs to be watered in. When looking back at my 2020 garden, I remember how thick it was. Like a…
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2026
01.01.2026 It is the first day of 2026. The power went out. It forced me to get outside. In my boots and overalls, I had to get to work quick because it was cold. There I was in the rain pulling weeds on the first day of the year. It was everything I wanted it…
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Where I Slow Down
Most days, my life moves fast. Faster than I expect, faster than I plan for. School drop offs that blur into pick ups, sports schedules written in pencil because they always change, snacks passed to the backseat at stoplights. The calendar fills itself before I even realize it’s happening. Forest Girl Farm is where I…
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A New Year, Still Rooted
If you are stepping into this year feeling tired but hopeful, uncertain but willing, you belong here too. Let this be the year we grow something honest.
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How Leadership and Life Lessons Fuel My Journey
When people think of farming, they often imagine dirt under fingernails, rows of blooms swaying in the breeze, and the quiet hum of nature’s rhythm. And while all of that is true, what they may not see is the strategic planning, problem-solving, and leadership it takes to grow not just plants, but an entire vision.…
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Welcome to Forest Girl Farm 2025: A Season of Growth and Purpose
Hello, friends! It’s a brand-new year at Forest Girl Farm, and I’m thrilled to kick off our 2025 season with you. There’s something magical about the start of a new growing season…the smell of fresh soil, the excitement of seeds sprouting, and the promise of a bountiful year ahead. Here on the farm, we’re diving…
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A November Day at Forest Girl Farm
The crisp morning air at Forest Girl Farm carried a scent of damp earth and woodsmoke. November in Aptos was always a dance between the lingering warmth of fall and the cool whispers of winter. Sabrina stood on the deck of her redwood-covered house, sipping her tea, surveying the gardens that sprawled out before her.…
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The Secret Power of Redwood Mulch: Why Every Garden Should Use It
If you’re looking to elevate your gardening game, it’s time to look down—at the ground beneath your feet! At Forest Girl Farm, we’ve discovered an incredible, sustainable secret that not only enhances the health of our plants but also gives our garden an aesthetic boost: redwood mulch. Yes, that’s right! We’re here to tell you…
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2024 Heirloom Tomatoes
There is a place where the earth whispers its secrets to those who listen. Where heirloom tomatoes ripen in the golden sun, their flavors singing of summer’s bounty. This is Forest Girl Farms, where generations of growers have nurtured the land with care and purpose. Now, they bring the fruits of their labor to local…
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Worm Composting- vermicompost in my [odd] dreams
Something on your “to-do list” that never gets done. Worms wriggling, dirt churning, leftovers transforming – oh my! Composting with worms has always intrigued me, sparking my imagination like a child spellbound by a fairy tale. Yet this magical process remains an elusive dream, slipping through my fingers as quickly as those slinky red wrigglers.…
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The Magical World of Ranunculus Flowers
Their delicate, paper-thin petals unfurling like ballerinas in tutus. Their kaleidoscope of colors from vibrant yellow to blushing pink. Ranunculus flowers are truly marvelous wonders of nature. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the enchanting qualities of these flowers and provide helpful tips for adding a touch of ranunculus magic to your own garden.…
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Expansion of Forest Girl Farm
Embarking on the journey of expanding farm is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. As I delve into this venture, my focus will be on cultivating a diverse range of flowers and vegetables that are not only fresh and delicious but also sustainably grown. This homestead will be nestled on our property, offering customers the opportunity…
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The backyard chickens you never knew you needed!
Come on down to the chicken coop and join us for a cluckin’ good time! Our feathered friends are laying up a storm, providing farm-fresh eggs for the whole family. We’ll introduce you to Henrietta, Gertie, and the rest of the flock as they peck and scratch in the garden. Watch out for Beatrice though,…
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Fear of not starting: how to get your farm out there
What’s the thing you’re scared to do? What would it take to get you to do it? As a farmer or homesteader, it is natural to have concerns about generating enough interest in your farm. The success of any agricultural venture relies heavily on attracting customers and creating a buzz around your offerings. However, with…
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The Power of Three Sisters Gardening: A Successful and Sustainable Approach to Growing
In the world of gardening, there are countless methods and techniques that promise bountiful harvests and thriving plants. However, one approach stands out for its simplicity, efficiency, and sustainability – Three Sisters Gardening. This ancient agricultural practice involves the harmonious combination of three key crops – corn, beans, and squash – in a single garden…
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Though the garden outside looks dreary and drab now, I know it is simply sleeping under a cozy blanket of rain.
The pitter-patter of raindrops taps against the windows as I curl up in my favorite armchair by the crackling fire. A worn gardening book lays open in my lap, filled with dog-eared pages and notes scribbled in the margins. As I sip my tea, I dreamily flip through the pages, picturing the riot of colors…
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On a Rainy Day in Aptos
As an organic flower and vegetable farmer in Aptos, my days are often filled with tending to my crops, harvesting produce, and maintaining the health of my plants. However, on a rainy day, my routine is a bit different. While some may see rainy days as a hindrance to their work, for me, it is…
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While in Santa Cruz County
List five things you do for fun. 1. Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: This iconic amusement park is a must-visit for anyone looking for a day of fun in Santa Cruz. Enjoy classic rides like the Giant Dipper roller coaster, play carnival games, and indulge in delicious boardwalk treats like funnel cakes and cotton…
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Planning and Dreaming
What do you enjoy doing most in your leisure time? In my leisure time, one of my favorite activities is planning the farm. There is something so satisfying about visualizing and organizing the land, plants, and schedules for a successful and efficient farm. This hobby not only allows me to de-stress and unwind, but it…
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The little things I complain about
As I walked around the farm, I couldn’t help but notice the little tasks that hadn’t been done. The weeds were starting to take over the vegetable garden, the chicken coop needed to be cleaned, and the barn door was still squeaking despite my reminder to oil it last week. It’s easy to overlook these…
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Roses Through Time
Roses are one of the most popular and beloved flowers in the world. Known for their beauty, fragrance, and symbolism, roses have been cultivated and passed down through generations for centuries. But how exactly are these beautiful flowers propagated to be passed on over and over again? Propagation is the process of creating new plants…
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The Lottery
What would you do if you won the lottery? If I were to win the lottery, I would have a grand vision for my future that involves giving back to the community and promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. One of the first things I would do is create a massive garden on my…
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Sabrina & Flowers
Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc. Sabrina is a name with a beautiful and enchanting sound, evoking images of grace and elegance. This name has a long history and has been associated with various meanings and origins. However, when it comes to flowers, Sabrina holds a special significance. In Latin, Sabrina…
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Dreaming
What’s your dream job? My dream is to transform my farm into a thriving permaculture garden, known for its successful and sustainable practices. I envision a farm that not only provides for my family, but also gives back to the community by donating fresh fruits, vegetables, and eggs to local schools. Permaculture is a holistic…
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Maintaining the Redwood Mountain of Forest Girl Farm
Here are some reasons why cleaning and maintaining the redwood forest is essential: 1. Preserves biodiversity: The redwood forest is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth. By keeping the forest clean and well-maintained, we are preserving the habitat of these species and…
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Garden & Homestead Education
What books do you want to read? I have always been interested in sustainable living and finding ways to live more in harmony with nature. That is why I am drawn to books about permaculture, growing flowers, organic vegetable gardening, and making sourdough bread. Each of these topics represents a different aspect of living in…
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Home & Farm Traditions
Write about a few of your favorite family traditions. Growing up on a farm, I have been fortunate enough to experience many unique family traditions. These traditions are deeply rooted in our farming lifestyle and have been passed down from generation to generation. They not only hold sentimental value but also serve as a reminder…
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Forest Girl Farm Family Beautification Day
On a beautiful Saturday morning, the Pierce family gathers at their family farm for a day of beautification. Mom, Dad, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and kids are all excited to spend the day working together to improve the farm. The first task on the agenda is pulling weeds. With everyone working together, the task becomes…
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Colorful Cosmos
Cosmos flowers are one of the most beautiful and popular annual flowers found in gardens all around the world. These vibrant and cheerful flowers are native to Mexico and some parts of Central and South America, but they are now widely cultivated in many other regions as well. The scientific name for cosmos flowers is…
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Coffee and Fog
On a cold and foggy day, there is nothing quite like cozying up in front of a warm fire. The sound of crackling logs and the scent of burning wood create a peaceful ambiance, inviting us to slow down and relax. As the fog envelops the world outside, we find comfort in the warmth of…
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Redwood Forest Family
The redwood forests of Northern California are a sight to behold. Towering trees, some reaching heights of over 300 feet, create a serene and magical atmosphere that is unlike any other place on Earth. For those lucky enough to call this place home, living in the redwoods is truly an unforgettable experience. As soon as…
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“Stock”ing Up
Stock flowers, also known as Matthiola incana, are a popular choice among gardeners and flower enthusiasts for their delicate beauty and sweet fragrance. These charming plants have been cultivated for centuries and are loved for their versatility, making them a staple in gardens, bouquets, and floral arrangements. Native to the Mediterranean region, stock flowers are…
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Seed Starting
Starting seeds is a great way to kickstart your gardening journey and grow your own plants from scratch. It can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it does require some knowledge and preparation. In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of starting seeds and provide some tips to help you successfully grow…
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Hello World!
Nestled in the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains lies a hidden gem of a farm that is dedicated to growing a variety of fresh, organic vegetables and vibrant flowers. This farm, known as Forest Girl Farm. Starting a family flower and vegetable farm in the Santa Cruz Mountains is a dream come true for many aspiring…
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