Memorial Day has always been special since (in my mind) summer is just around the corner.  We can’t forget the true meaning of the day and how so many men and women have given their lives for our freedom.

This weekend at Kave Rock Farm we will be tilling alpaca ‘beans’ into our gardens.  We call the manure beans because it resembles coffee beans.  It is quite amazing that animals weighing 150 pounds ‘poop’ like bunny rabbits.  Alpaca manure is a ‘cold’ manure and can be placed into gardens without being composted first.   We have have used fresh and dried beans in our gardens with positive results. Dried beans are great for houseplants too.   Our manure has been analyzed at UMASS Amherst and proves to be rich in nitrogen (which is essential for leaf and stem growth.)   Additionally, alpaca beans contain phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and sodium.  They are also high in potassium (which helps plants resist disease).  Best of all … alpaca manure is odor free!!!

The farm is open on Sundays from 12-4.  Visitors are welcome to bring a bucket to fill with beans or purchase a bag of dried beans.  (Prices range from $5-$15 approximately)