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40 <br /> 3) Thorough soil preparation <br /> Amend soils with organic matter to ensure that they retain water and nutrients while <br /> also draining freely <br /> 4) Appropriate use of plant materials <br /> Utilize native and well-adapted species of plants, and place them appropriately in the <br /> landscape in on environment similar to their native habitat;select drought-tolerant <br /> species for unirrigoted areas <br /> 5) Effective and efficient watering methods <br /> Where irrigation is used, employ drip, micro-sprinkler, soaker hose and/or subsurface <br /> systems which minimize water use, reduce runoff and evaporation, and provide water <br /> directly to the root zone of plants <br /> 6) Use of mulch on trees, shrubs, and flower beds <br /> Reduce evaporation and runoff, increase water-holding capacity of soil, <br /> improve soil structure, and moderate soil temperatures with organic <br /> mulches <br /> 7) Proper landscape maintenance <br /> Careful timing and implementation of tasks such os fertilizing, watering, <br /> mulching, mowing, and pruning can drastically reduce time, effort, and <br /> resource use while improving the health and beauty of the landscape <br /> It should be noted that in addition to capturing rainwater in the landscape and <br /> utilizing other permaculture methods, a separate well will be drilled for farm <br /> related irrigation, washing and animal drinking water. <br /> FARM I I I <br /> The primary purposes of the farm at Hart's Mill are to: a) provide food and fiber for residents, <br /> and the community as capacity allows, b) model sustainable forestry and agriculture practices <br /> which are in harmony with conservation goals, and c) provide livelihood for one or more farmers <br /> on the land. <br /> Our farming practices will be based on permaculture principles and will incorporate a mixture of <br /> small scale activities including: <br /> Vegetables: intensively managed beds and hoop houses <br /> Fruits & Berries: integrated orchards and hedgerows <br /> Honey Bees: we have planted pollinator species and our first two hives are already in place! <br />