McGinnis Ranch

FARMLAND: 17.5 acres in Watsonville, about 99 miles from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

PEOPLE: Howard and Polly McGinnis along with 6 seasonal workers

FARM HISTORY/PHILOSOPHY: Howard started farming in the early 1960s and grew his operation slowly until he began farming full-time in 1972. Howard sells almost all of his products directly to consumers through farmers’ markets. He picks and packs all of his offerings the day before the market. Howard is continually searching for and growing new and improved plant varieties so he can provide top-quality produce for customers.

Any leftover food is donated to a food bank, and leftover flowers are taken to a senior center.

SOIL: The soil on Howard's farm is very sandy. He builds his soil with a combination of commercial fertilizer and mushroom compost.

WEED CONTROL: As much as possible, Howard controls his weeds with hand and machine cultivation, and burning with a propane torch. He does use some herbicides as well.

PEST MANAGEMENT: Howard uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach that includes beneficial insects, crop rotation and some pesticides. All of his produce is pesticide free.

WATER USE: Mostly drip irrigation, and some sprinkler irrigation from the 2 deep wells on the farm.

ORGANIC CERTIFICATION: None