Larsen Farm and Orchard

10/15/2026

Found my first patch of asters in the pollinator planting in our southern field. Ironically, I did not plant this field with asters, so these were all just native in the seed bank.

Why does this matter? Asters, such as the Douglas Aster and Halls Aster, as well as goldenrod, are some of the latest blooming wildflowers in the valley, filling in a nectar source when there is little else. I don’t do this planting for the honey bees…they are usually fine and can fly over 2 miles to collect nectar and pollen. But the native bees often don’t have such a range, or the numbers to collect large amounts of food and need closer sources.

10/13/2026

This is a great grant opportunity for those working to develop a more resilient farm. We were awarded a grant from them a few years ago and it definitely contributed to our orchard’s ability to continue growing.

Michelle Week is the steward of Good Rain Farm, or x̌ast sq̓it (has...

10/05/2026

For all those garlic lovers, it’s almost time to plant. Great video on some key aspects of growing large garlic.

Follow these 13 steps to grow big, beautiful garlic:* Source good...

09/23/2026

One of my blue egg ducks just laid her first egg in almost 6 weeks. Apparently doesn’t have the coloring down right yet. Has these blue polka dots all around

09/18/2026

Short stop at the sunflowers today to see how the pollinators are doing. Lots of native bees, butterflies and, of course, honey bees.

09/11/2026

Hopefully this is the last of the chicks for this year

09/09/2026

State fair ribbons for the year. Did great with the honey, surprisingly well with potatoes and decent with the sunflowers. My lovely wife dominates the exhibits she entered so a lot to learn from her. Fun times all around!

09/06/2026

Well, this was not ideal. Was able to get it all out back together and queen is still alive and kicking (last pic). Their honey stores were hit pretty hard by yellowjackets.

09/03/2026

Cleaning up the last of the wax before melting it down.