At Happy Dirt, we believe that how food is grown matters just as much as the food itself. This Earth Day (and everyday), we’re celebrating the organic farmers in our network who live this belief—by farming with the earth, not against it.
Instead of relying on synthetic fertilizers and herbicides, our farmers work with cover crops—plants like rye, oats, buckwheat, sun hemp, crimson clover, and hairy vetch—sown between growing seasons. These crops aren’t harvested, but their impact is powerful: they build soil health, suppress weeds, reduce erosion, and replenish nutrients in the soil.
Some farmers, like those planting sunhemp in summer and roller-crimping it down, are reducing plastic use while preserving soil moisture. Others, like Happy Dirt Farmer-Owner Randy Massey, are planting oats between crop rows, creating natural microclimates that protect crops when the summer heat rises.
Pollinators and beneficial insects play a critical role too. Our farmers interplant marigolds to attract bees and ladybugs (and deter pests like tomato hornworms). In the late season, goldenrod is left to bloom as a vital food source for bees, butterflies, and protectors like lacewings.
These practices take extra effort, but they lead to stronger harvests, healthier ecosystems, and a planet that’s better off because of them. That’s why we’re proud to work with farmers who know that sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a way of life.
Now, meet the other Happy Dirt Heroes who help make it all possible:
Scarlet Wave: Crimson Clover, the Soil Replenisher
Also known as Scarlet Wave, crimson clover is one of our favorite heroes in the field. This vibrant red bloomer:
Fixes nitrogen into the soil (essential for crop growth)
Attracts bees and butterflies with its bright blossoms
Supports soil health by improving tilth and reducing erosion
It’s beautiful, yes—but even more importantly, it plays a crucial role in our regenerative system. And, it’s edible!
The Forager: Our Pollinator-in-Chief
Honey Bees, lovingly known to us as The Forager, are at the center of our ecosystem. They’re responsible for pollinating much of the produce we grow. They are essential, and we can’t live without them.
Some of our farmer-partners plant marigolds to attract honeybees in order to help pollinate their crops. Cover crops that farmers plant like buckwheat, and crimson clover also keep The Forager well-fed throughout the season. And in late summer and early fall, when blooms are scarce, we let goldenrod flourish so bees can fuel up for the journey ahead.
Flower Power: Goldenrod, the Late-Season Lifesaver
Say hello to Flower Power, our nickname for goldenrod. This wildflower shines when others fade, offering a critical nectar source for pollinators just before the cool weather rolls in. It’s also makes a tasty tea for us that can help with alleviate allergies and decrease inflammation.
Goldenrod also invites lacewings—delicate but mighty protectors who help manage pests like aphids. By letting this golden bloom and thrive, farmers give one final boost to the entire ecosystem before fall.
Love Bug: Nature’s Pest Patrol
Last but never least, we celebrate the ladybug, aka Love Bug. She’s small, but she’s mighty—patrolling the fields for pests like aphids and beetles that threaten crops.
Love Bug especially loves the hairy vetch cover crop, which offers food and shelter. By supporting the lady bug’s habitat, we reduce the need for chemical pest controls and lean into the balance nature provides.
Happy Dirt Heroes: farmers, Pollinators, Protectors, Replenishers
Our Happy Dirt Heroes—The Forager, Scarlet Wave, Love Bug, and Flower Power—aren’t just characters. They represent the real-life plants and pollinators that power organic agriculture.
Together with our farmer-partners, they help us restore the land, build resilience into our food system, and make sure the earth gets a little better with every harvest.
Happy Earth Day—from the ground up.
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