Nova Bluewater Farm
Jim Turner has been growing organic vegetables at Nova
Bluewater Farm for the last seven years. Located in DeBaies Cove on the
Eastern shore of Nova Scotia, this property sits on a hilltop with
beautiful ocean views to the south and east. The rocky, rugged
geography is not naturally fertile farmland, but at Nova Bluewater,
every little patch to be seen has been slowly developed into healthy
soil over the last 120 years.
In 2002 Jim acquired this property as an abandoned farmstead and took
it on as an entrepreneurial endeavour, transforming it into the highly
productive organic farm that it is today, where he resides with his
partner Paul and their dog (the chicken protector) Luna. “My fields
were established as a farm in the 1880s,” says Jim, “but it has not
been operated continuously as a farm. I have been slowly developing the
fields from a small meadow of rose bushes and goldenrod to what it is
today.”
The process has involved much attention to soil fertility. Indeed,
quality foods need quality soil and as Nova Bluewater is a certified
organic farm (by MCOG – as of 2008), all practices involved incorporate
zero chemicals and synthetics, with compost serving as the primary
amendment. Additionally, Jim’s small flock of rare breed chickens
provide an excellent manure source to recycle nutrients back into the
soil, as well as providing a great weed control system.
Nova Bluewater features a wide, colourful variety of vegetables,
particularly salad greens, onions, potatoes, carrots, broccoli,
tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. The farm’s cool, coastal location
means certain crops - such as carrots - maintain a rich sweet flavour,
unaffected by overwhelming amounts of heat.
“I have always grown vegetables with organic principles in mind,”
states Jim. “I am interested in working with natural, and sustainable
systems to grow food. I have come to believe that the produce I grow
tastes better and stores longer than produce grown with excessive
chemical fertilization.”
Satisfaction is what keeps Jim in the business.
“Satisfaction from working with nature to produce food of exceptional
flavour and quality…satisfaction from the feedback I receive from my
wonderful customers….satisfaction from the opportunities I have to pass
on some knowledge to new growers who are considering organic farming
for their future.”
“We are fortunate to live in this place,” says Jim, “especially to
spend our time growing tasty food.”
Look for his tasty vegetables every Saturday at the Musquodoboit
Farmers’ Market…..Satisfaction guaranteed!
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