Jul 19, 2021 - Things to Do

Dunnellon farm shows how to keep plants happy without phosphate fertilizer

Ben Montgomery

A curious goat waits for moringa leaves at the Garden Doctor's Teaching Farm. Photo: Ben Montgomery/Axios

There are more sustainable, earth-friendly wayd to grow fruits and vegetables without mined fertilizer — and they're on full display at the Garden Doctor's Teaching Farm in Dunnellon.

Why it matters: Florida is home to the majority of phosphate mining for fertilizer in the U.S.

Phosphate mining gave us Piney Point, plus a billion tons of the industry’s radioactive waste, phosphogypsum.
And while the science isn't conclusive, the pollution from Piney Point's April leak could be contributing to the fish kills in Tampa Bay.

What's happening at the farm: Kevin Gunter and his staff give lessons on home food forests design, medicinal herbs, beekeeping, rainwater re-use, composting, making biochar, and other sustainable farming techniques.

Details: Open Thursday to Saturday. Call 352-895-4809 for information.

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Dunnellon farm shows how to keep plants happy without phosphate fertilizer

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