What are your current marketing channels? Compost is expensive, so I use it for my hoop houses and certain heavy feeding crops.” Sweet Harvest Farm “I use compost to increase the quality of the produce. “However, to increase yields at all, the soil has to have a certain tilth to use it properly. With specialized equipment, I can lay down six rows of arugula in intensive spaces, which quickly increases my yields. “This equipment helps people like me who own and operate very small plots of land. “Every year, new and improved farming equipment is released for small-scale farmers that do not use tractors and large-scale equipment,” said Hindle. Hindle makes the economics work on a small-scale farm by focusing on increasing her yields and taking advantage of the wide variety of tools on the market right now. There are plenty of opportunities to grow more produce on the land I already have.” I would rather focus on improving the land rather than add more acreage to my operation. “I think I can grow much better on this acre as I continue to increase soil fertility. I may only farm one acre, but I’m still under utilizing this acre. “I do not have any intention to expand my operation. “I currently farm one acre of land, where I cover crop approximately half and grow mixed vegetables on the other half,” said Hindle. How have you been operating and managing your small-scale farm in King County? Do you have any plans to expand your operation?

The Local Food team spoke with Margaret Hindle, owner of Sweet Harvest, to hear about her small-scale farming operation, the challenges to small-scale farming, and how she has connected her passion for growing food to her other passions.

Sweet Harvest Farm is a small vegetable farm located a mile outside Carnation, Washington that uses sustainable growing practices aimed at providing produce with the best taste and nutrition possible.

Harvest farm new life program