Producing Heirloom Tomatoes and Nurturing a Food Forest

Tuesday, June 4 | 4 – 6 p.m. | Missouri Valley, IA

Rhizosphere farm several varieties of heirloom tomatoes at marketJoin Matthew and Terra for a tour of their high tunnels, tomato arbor and young food forest. On the vegetable side, they will discuss the heirloom varieties they have tried and like (or don’t like!), and their practices for other vegetables. Walking through the food forest, Matthew and Terra will share which trees and shrubs are performing best on their farm through the early years of establishment, and how their designs on paper are playing out on the land.

HOSTS: Terra and Matthew Hall | Rhizosphere Farm

THE FARM:

Rhizosphere Farm was started by Matt and Terra Hall in 2009. After a few years on rented land, they decided they needed to buy land to achieve their farm goals of incorporating fruit and nut trees, and having better on-farm infrastructure. In 2013 they found their permanent home just south of Missouri Valley, where they now have 6 acres. Selling through the farmers market and a few wholesale accounts, the Halls are best known for heirloom tomatoes, but they also grow a variety of vegetables. Since 2014, they have been planting a food forest, which is now 1.5 acres and includes apricots, Asian pear, quince, chestnut and hazelnut (among others).

TOPICS:

  • Heirloom tomatoes in high tunnel and field
  • Vegetable production
  • Designing a food forest
  • Asian pear, apricot and quince production
  • Finding and purchasing farmland

SPONSORS:

LOCATION: 3306 Lima Trail Missouri Valley, IA 51555

DIRECTIONS: At the time of printing, I-29 was closed north of Crescent.

From Omaha: Take I-29 or I-680 and exit at Crescent (Exit 61A). Head east on County Road G37 / Old Mormon Bridge Road. After 2.2 miles, turn left (north) on Old Lincoln Highway and continue for 11.5 miles. When Old Lincoln Highway becomes Loess Hills Road, continue for 2 miles and turn right on Lima Trail. After 0.4 mile, keep left at the Y-intersection to stay on Lima Trail; the farm will be on the left side of the road in 0.3 mile,

From the east: Take I-680 to Loveland (Exit 72). Turn left onto DeSoto Avenue, then left again onto Old Lincoln Highway, which becomes Loess Hills Road. Continue on Loess Hills Road / Old Lincoln Highway for 2.6 miles, then make a hard right onto Lima Trail. After 0.4 mile, keep left at the Y-intersection to stay on Lima Trail; the farm will be on the left side of the road in 0.3 mile.

MEAL INFORMATION:

A light supper will follow the field day. Please RSVP by clicking the blue button below. 

We take RSVP numbers to get an idea of the amount of food that we need to provide for the event. If you RSVP after the deadline but before the event, you are still welcome, but we cannot guarantee a meal.

RSVP by May 31


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