Each season we trial 15-20 strains in our test plot and have 4-6 different strains in large quantities for production. It takes a minimum of two years for a strain to go from our test plot into production.

Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate but we have learned a few tricks to work with her as much as possible. We manage heavy rainfall by installing drainage tilling in our field and planting in raised beds. We have also installed French drains across the field to prevent damage from run off. For the drier periods we utilize drip irrigation to provide plenty of water and support the plants with trellising and t-bars to help them stay upright during heavy winds.

The plants range from 5-7 feet tall depending on the strain. We prune them to a maximum of 7 feet so that they can be tended to without having to use ladders.

Our soil is amended each season with a variety of inputs including: aged manure, fulvic and humic acids, sea kelp, and compost. We also feed the plants during the season with liquid nutrients which include compost tea, black strap molasses, fish hydrolysate and a few other goodies.

The plants are watered with rain water and supplemented with drip irrigation through our closed loop system. Water is pumped from our pond up the hillside and into the plant zones through drip lines. The excess water is then collected in the drainage tiling and fed back into the pond.

During the season we are a lean and mean team of 8 people. We hire an additional 20-25 people for the month of harvest.

The plants require constant attention and monitoring while growing. We feed the plants through the irrigation lines and with foliar feeding and manage a preventative integrated pest management program by alternating organic pesticide and herbicide spraying. We put up trellising to support the plants and thin the plants inner leaves regularly to promote air flow. And we test, test, test to make sure we are on track.

Winter time is processing time at Greenman Acres. After the flower is done dried and cured we hand trim our finished flower for packaging. We also do all of our planning for the next season which includes starting our Mother plants in our nursery in December so we can start cloning again in April.

We are fortunate to have a very robust ecosystem on our farm that includes large quantities of beneficial insects such as ladybugs, predator mites, green lacewings and praying mantis. Planting companion plants such as sunflowers, red and white clover, chamomile and sweet basil in our field and surrounding area further promotes a healthy population of beneficial insects.

The whole flower is used in Greenman Acres branded flower and prerolls. We also sell some bulk flower to other licensed producers.