Six-figure farming for small plots:

Learning how to farm profitably on small acreage using low-tech, high-yields methods of production from one of Canada's 

most innovative ecological farmers. Inspired by the French intensive tradition of maraichage Jean-Martin Fortier shares in 

details the techniques, tools and appropriate technology that makes his market garden productive and profitable.

Workshop description

For more than a decade Jean-Martin and his wife have been making a living growing vegetables on their 1.5 

acres market garden. Selling trough their 140 member CSA  and seasonal market stands, they gross more than 

$140,000 in sales with a profit margin of around 45 %. 

In this workshop Jean-Martin will provide an overview of all aspects of vegetable production at Les Jardins de la 

Grelinette demonstrating how adopting intensive methods of production can lead to the optimization of a 

cropping system. Specifically he will discuss how to:

• Set-up a micro-farm by designing biologically intensive cropping systems, all with digestible capital outlay;

• Adopt a permanent bed system, farm without a tractor all while minimizing fossil fuel inputs through the use 

of the best hand tools, appropriate machinery and minimum tillage practices;

• How to grow mixed vegetables systematically with attention to weed and pest management best approach 

practices. 

About the author:

Jean-Martin Fortier is the founder of Les Jardins de la Grelinette, an internationally recognized micro-farm known for its high productivity and profitability using low-tech, high-yield methods of production. A leading practitioner of biologically intensive cropping systems, Jean-Martin has more than a decade’s worth of experience in small-scale organic farming. He has written articles about his work for popular magazines such as Canadian Organic Grower, La Terre de Chez Nous and Growing for Market, and he has facilitated more than fifty workshops and conferences around the globe promoting the idea of micro-scale farming as an alternative lifestyle. Jean-Martin also contributes occasionally as a tool and equipment advisor for companies such as Johnny’s Selected Seeds and Dubois Agri-Novation.  His first book, the Market Gardener has sold more than 40 000 copies since its released in 2013. 

For more info visit www.themarketgardener.com

DETAILS:

• Designing the market Garden:

How to lay out a site to optimize daily and ongoing market garden tasks. A look at the important features of a site and on planning installations. How good design saves labour and management costs.

• Minimum Soil Tillage and Configuring a Permanent-bed Growing System

Why and how working the soil influences structure and fertility and how to use naturally occurring micro-organisms. Soil conditioning for seeding, cleanup using ground-covering tarps, important considerations when planning permanent beds.

• Light Tillage Tools

The alternative to tractors, the choice of equipment, and planting methods. Introduction to the rotary harrow in lieu of the tiller, soil occultation (using tarps to smother weeds), and discussion on the effectiveness of the grelinette and manual weeding tools to replace the chisel plough and mechanical weeding tools. 

• Production Planning

Estimating production, making a crop calendar, and the importance of a crop plan. Discussion about high-priority crops and how to best plan production to include succession. 

• Discussing Financial Planning

Looking at why it is important to establish financial targets before the production season. How to meet objectives. Discussion about different forms of direct marketing. Advantages and disadvantages the CSA (community-supported agriculture) formula, farmers market, farm retail stores, and more.  

• Starting in the Nursery

Benefits of transplanting. How to start plants in plugs. The elements of success.

• Financial Planning

A look at why it is important to establish financial targets before the production season. How to meet objectives. Discussion about different forms of direct marketing. Advantages and disadvantages the CSA (community-supported agriculture) formula, farmers market, farm retail stores, and more.  

• Growing in Unheated Shelters 

A look at mini-tunnels, low tunnels, and cold tunnels to extend the production season. Planting dates taking into account shorter days, and discussion about winter vegetable production and cold-resistant vegetables.

• Crop Protection 

The garden is often under assault by many different pests. How to protect crops in an effective yet ecological manner. We look at different approaches used at Jardins de la Grelinette as well as looking at areas for improvement.