Arugula, also known as rocket, is a nutritious green that thrives in various climates. Harvesting its seeds is essential for future plantings. In this guide, we’ll explore how to collect arugula seeds efficiently.

When temperatures rise, arugula tends to bolt, which means it starts producing seeds. This process is natural, but if you want to enjoy more of your greens, harvest them before they bolt. Plants like arugula will produce more leaves if you pick them frequently. However, if left unattended, they will begin to focus on seed production.

Selecting the Best Plants for Seeds

Choosing plants with desirable traits ensures better crops in future seasons. Look for arugula plants that are slow to bolt, have a delicious flavor, and show resistance to pests. These qualities will be passed on to the next generation, giving you a robust and tasty crop.

As arugula begins to seed, it grows taller and produces a stalk with white flowers. These flowers will eventually turn into seed pods. The process starts with blooming and progresses to pod formation. Once the seed pods are brown and dry, they are ready to be harvested.

Harvesting Seed Pods

To collect the seeds, follow these steps:

Wait for Dry Pods
Ensure the seed pods are completely dried and browned on the plant before cutting them off.

Cutting the Pods
Use sharp scissors or garden shears to cut the seed pods and stalks from the plant.

Extracting Seeds
Gently squish the dried pods to release the tiny black seeds. If they are ready, the pods will open easily.

Separating Seeds from Plant Matter

After collecting the seeds, it’s crucial to separate them from any remaining plant material. Lay the seeds on a flat surface, such as a sheet or a tray, and carefully remove any debris. Ensuring that the seeds are free of plant matter helps prevent mold and ensures better storage.

Drying and Storing Seeds

To preserve arugula seeds for future planting:

Final Drying Stage
Place the cleaned seeds in an envelope or jar. Ensure they are completely dry to prevent mold growth.

Storage
Store the envelope or jar in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds can last several years and will be ready for your next planting season.

Conclusion

Collecting arugula seeds is a rewarding process that ensures a continuous supply of this flavorful green. By selecting the best plants and following these simple steps, you can successfully harvest and store arugula seeds.

Sources

Seed Savers

EpicGardening

Grow Lacrosse

At Mavronero Farm, we are thrilled to announce our new partnership with AgrOassis through a no-tilling contract. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship in Cyprus.

AgrOassis is a pioneering initiative dedicated to aiding climate change adaptation in the agricultural sectors of Cyprus and Greece. Their primary objective is to develop, demonstrate, and promote innovative techniques, best practices, and close-to-market solutions that align with EU climate action legislation and policy. By focusing on areas prone to desertification, AgrOassis is at the forefront of combating the adverse effects of inappropriate land use and wildfires, which are exacerbated by climate change.

The implementation of no-tilling practices at Mavronero Farm is a crucial step towards achieving these goals. No-tilling, or zero tillage, involves refraining from plowing the soil, which helps in maintaining soil structure, preventing erosion, and enhancing water retention. This practice is particularly beneficial for areas with poor soil quality and low natural vegetation cover, like those identified in Cyprus.

Benefits for the Farm

Improved Soil Health
By avoiding disturbance, the soil retains its organic matter and microorganisms, leading to richer, more fertile soil.

Reduced Erosion
No-tilling minimizes soil erosion, which is crucial for preserving the land’s productivity.

Enhanced Water Retention
The intact soil structure better retains moisture, which is vital for crop growth, especially in arid regions.

Benefits for the Climate

Carbon Sequestration
No-tilling practices contribute to carbon farming by sequestering more carbon in the soil, thus mitigating climate change.

Biodiversity Restoration
Encouraging the regrowth of trees and shrubs and improving pollination processes helps restore biodiversity in degraded areas.

Climate Resilience
Healthier soils are more resilient to climate extremes, reducing the vulnerability of agricultural systems to climate change.

Benefits for the People

Sustainable Livelihoods
By promoting sustainable practices, farmers can ensure long-term productivity and profitability.

Education and Awareness
AgrOassis provides crucial training and support, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices effectively.

Community Empowerment
Engaging local communities in sustainable practices fosters a sense of responsibility and cooperation towards environmental conservation.

As the head of operations at Mavronero Farm stated, “We are happy to be part of this exciting project. One step to a more sustainable Agriculture in Cyprus.” This partnership is not just about changing farming techniques; it’s about transforming our approach to agriculture and contributing to a healthier planet for future generations. Mavronero farm will serve as a “living lab,” a real-world testing ground where innovative sustainable practices are implemented, observed, and refined. This living lab approach allows us to gather valuable data, share insights, and demonstrate the effectiveness of no-tilling and other sustainable practices to farmers across the region.

With AgrOassis, we are not only improving our farm’s sustainability but also playing a role in the broader movement towards climate neutrality by 2050. Together, we are creating a resilient, sustainable agricultural sector in Cyprus that benefits the environment, the economy, and the community.

Join us in this journey towards sustainable agriculture and witness how small changes can lead to significant impacts on our planet.

Project Partners

Artichokes, a member of the thistle family, are a unique and intriguing vegetable that often gets overlooked in the culinary world. With their distinct shape, thorny leaves, and hearty texture, artichokes offer a delightful flavor and a host of health benefits. On our farm, we’re very happy to have artichokes growing wild.

About the Plant

Artichokes are actually flower buds that are harvested before they fully bloom. They are native to the Mediterranean region and have been cultivated for centuries in countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece. Artichokes are usually grown for their edible flower buds, which are harvested before the flowers open. The plant stems are thick and fleshy, and the leaves are silvery-green in color with a long, arching shape.

Best Growing Conditions

Artichokes thrive in full sun and prefer a location with well-draining, fertile soil. They enjoy moderate climates and are tolerant to occasional drought. Artichokes prefer sandy, well-drained but fertile soil. A soil pH slightly on the alkaline side is best. Good drainage is crucial to prevent the roots from rotting, especially in areas where they will be overwintered. However, the soil must also be able to retain water long enough to allow the roots to take it in during hot summers.

Best Time to Harvest

Artichoke harvest starts in late July or early August and continues well until frost. Buds are generally harvested once they reach full size, just before the bracts begin to spread open. The best time to harvest artichokes is in the morning when the temperature is cooler. This helps preserve their freshness and flavor.

Preparing an artichoke for consumption involves a few steps:

Trimming the Stem: Start by using a knife to trim off the stem. If you want to consume the stem, you can peel away the tough outer skin to reach the soft, white, edible interior.

Slicing the Top: Lay the artichoke on its side and slice off the top third of the artichoke. This will likely be 1 to 2 inches from the top.

Removing the Thorns: Use kitchen shears to snip off the top portion of the leaves. This is done to remove the thorns.

Removing the Leaves: Start by pulling off the artichoke’s leaves until you get down to the very fine, thin yellow leaves in the center. This should expose much of the heart.

Removing the Choke: The choke is the fuzzy part on the inside of the heart. Use a paring knife or a spoon to scrape the inside walls of the artichoke, removing the choke entirely.

Remember to rub the cut sides of the artichoke with lemon to prevent browning due to oxidation. Now, your artichoke is ready to be cooked and enjoyed!

Recipes

Artichokes are versatile in cooking. They can be grilled, steamed, stuffed, or even used in dips and salads. Here are a couple of recipes you can try:

Wild Garlic, Artichoke and Lemon Rice: This vegetarian rice recipe combines fresh lemon, seasonal artichoke, and the sweetness of wild garlic, making it the perfect dish for a spring day.

Chicken Artichoke Soup with Wild Rice: A light, healthy, and brothy soup with vegetables, wild rice, and artichoke hearts. It’s a quick and easy dinner recipe that’s also keto-friendly.

Interesting Facts

Artichokes are one of the oldest foods known to humans. According to Greek mythology, the artichoke became known through the Greek God Zeus. Artichokes are considered a delicacy in many cuisines. They are often featured in gourmet dishes and are prized for their distinctive flavor.

Sources

Wikipedia (Artichoke)

Wikipedia (Wild Artichoke)

The Spruce

Gardeners HQ

Upon your initial visit to Mavronero Farm, you would undoubtedly be intrigued by our unique choice of fencing – a distinctive construction method utilizing olive tree cuttings and deadwood. This innovative and sustainable approach not only serves as a practical boundary but also contributes to environmental conservation by repurposing organic materials. In this article, we’ll explore how these unique fences are constructed, the benefits they offer for local wildlife, and what’s needed to build and maintain them.

Building the fence

The construction of the fences is a creative process that integrates the unique qualities of these branches. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

  1. Harvesting
    The first step in creating these eco-friendly fences is to gather materials from the farm. Olive tree cuttings, pruned during regular farm maintenance, and deadwood, which accumulates naturally, become the building blocks of the fence. This sustainable practice utilizes farm by-products that would otherwise go to waste.
  2. Preparing the vertical supports
    Identify multiple large branches that will serve as vertical supports for the fence. These branches will be hammered or dug into the ground at regular intervals along the fence line.
  3. Filling
    The space between the rows is filled with branches, twigs, reeds, roots or any relatively bulky material available. Unlike weaving or intertwining, the material between the vertical posts is stacked or layered. As the decomposition processes take place, the heap gradually settles, allowing for the addition of new material.
  4. Securing the fence
    The constructed fence is then anchored securely into the ground using wooden or metal posts to ensure stability and longevity. The use of traditional construction methods, such as mortise and tenon joints, can enhance the durability of the fence while maintaining its eco-friendly nature. Use natural fibers like jute or twine for weaving and securing the fence. Avoid synthetic materials to adhere to the eco-friendly principles of this fencing method.

Benefits for Animals and Insects

Habitat and Shelter

Tree cuttings fences provide a natural and organic habitat for various small animals, insects, and birds. Gaps in the fence allow easy movement for creatures seeking shelter or nesting sites.

Biodiversity Boost

The presence of these fences encourages biodiversity by supporting a variety of insects and pollinators. This, in turn, contributes to the health of the surrounding ecosystem.

Windbreak and Shade

The dense arrangement of cuttings creates a natural windbreak, protecting plants and animals from harsh winds. Additionally, the fence offers shade during the scorching Cypriot summers, creating a more comfortable environment for wildlife.

Building and Maintenance Requirements

Tools

Basic tools such as pruning shears, saws, and hammers are needed for harvesting and preparing materials, as well as for constructing and securing the fence.

Regular Maintenance

While these fences are durable, regular maintenance is essential. Trimming and reshaping may be required as the organic materials settle and adjust over time. This hands-on approach allows farmers to stay connected with their land and ensure the fence remains an integral part of the farm ecosystem.

Conclusion

The practice of building fences from tree cuttings and deadwood exemplifies a harmonious coexistence between agriculture and nature. These sustainable perimeters, anchored by vertical supports, not only serve their primary purpose but also foster biodiversity and contribute to the overall health of the environment. As we continue to explore innovative ways to live in harmony with nature, the wooden fence stands as a testament to the potential of sustainable practices in agriculture.

At Mavronero, we’ve embarked on an exciting journey towards fostering biodiversity and cultivating a vibrant food forest. In mid-November 2023, we took a significant step by planting a diverse array of trees, ranging from native to tropical and subtropical varieties.

Our vision for this area goes beyond the traditional olive groves, aiming to create a dynamic ecosystem with a mix of small trees, bushes, shrubs, and vegetables. Despite facing the challenge of less-than-ideal soil—rocky terrain lurking just 30-40cm beneath the surface—we’re determined to turn this limitation into an opportunity for growth.

The star cast of our newly planted trees includes Carob, Grapefruit, Orange, Lemon, Plum, Cherimoya, Guava, and Tamarind. Each species was carefully chosen to complement one another, creating a harmonious balance within our food forest.

While the rocky soil may pose some challenges for the trees, it turns out to be a blessing for the veggies that will share this space. Our dedicated team understands the unique needs of each plant, ensuring they receive the care and attention necessary to thrive in this environment.

The Carob trees, known for their drought resistance, stand resilient against the rocky substrate. Meanwhile, the vibrant hues of Grapefruit and Orange trees promise a visual spectacle, and the fragrant blossoms of Lemon trees contribute a touch of Mediterranean charm to our farm.

Plum, Cherimoya, Guava, and Tamarind add a tropical twist, infusing the landscape with flavors and aromas that will make Mavronero Farm a truly unique destination.

As these trees take root and grow, we’re not only cultivating a diverse and sustainable food source but also contributing to the overall health of our farm’s ecosystem. Birds and insects attracted to the blossoms and fruits will play a vital role in pollination, creating a self-sustaining environment that benefits all.

Stay tuned for updates on the progress of our newly planted trees as they transform Mavronero Farm into a flourishing haven of biodiversity. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey as we nurture and witness the beauty of nature unfolding in our corner of the world.

In December 2022, Mavronero Farm and BirdLife Cyprus joined forces to install two meticulously designed owl houses.

Tailored for Barn Owls (Tyto alba), these abodes, constructed from marine plywood, boast dimensions and designs ensuring comfort and safety. The intentional separation within the box provides shade during the day, while the entrance hole accommodates various bird species, including Common Kestrels, Little Owls, Cyprus Scops Owls, European Rollers, and Jackdaws.

The first inspection

Fast forward to May 2023, and the houses were inspected for visitors. Typically, no bird moves into a new house during the first season. However, contrary to expectations, the Common Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) had taken residence in both artificial nest boxes. The Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a small to medium-sized bird of prey belonging to the falcon family Falconidae. These birds, guided by factors like food availability and safety from predators, found sanctuary on our farm.

What makes the Mavronero Farm an ideal spot?

The absence of rodenticides is key. Barn Owls, being voracious rodent consumers, are susceptible to secondary poisoning. These chemicals accumulate in their bodies, affecting behavior and, eventually, leading to their demise. Barn Owls, whose natural habitats are diminishing, struggle to find ideal breeding grounds. Abandoned buildings, once their haven, are decreasing, making artificial nest boxes essential for their survival. These structures offer a secure breeding location, compensating for the loss of their traditional nesting spots.

Mavronero Farm, free from such toxins, becomes a safe haven for these magnificent birds.

Are there also benefits for the farm? Barn Owls are exceptional pest controllers. Research reveals that they predominantly feed on rodents, constituting 96% of their diet, and can consume up to 1000 rodents annually. During the breeding season, these birds patrol a 1 km radius around their nests, sometimes extending to 4.5 km. Farmers can thus reap the rewards of natural pest control, enhancing the farm’s ecological balance.

Looking ahead, what are the future plans for the farm?

According to Antaia Christou, Conservation Projects Officer at BirdLife Cyprus, the National Action Plan for the Barn Owl involves monitoring these boxes and collecting data on occupancy, eggs, and chicks. While two barn owl boxes suffice for now, there’s potential for more artificial nest boxes accommodating diverse species like Hoopoes, Little Owls, and European Rollers. Such initiatives, although beyond the scope of the current plan, align with BirdLife’s recommendation to foster a thriving avian community.

Mavronero Farm, with its owl houses, stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of agriculture and nature. Through these efforts, we are not only nurturing a safe haven for owls, but also reaping the benefits of their presence in our ecological tapestry.

Want to find out more about BirdLife Cyprus?

In the serene heart of the Larnaka district in Cyprus lies Mavronero Farm, a testament to the delicate dance between nature and sustainable agriculture. Amidst the olive groves and wild herbs, a tiny yet crucial community thrived — the bees. At Mavronero Farm, a single hive, boasting a mix of breeds but likely descending from the esteemed Karnika family, played a vital role in the ecosystem.

These small and friendly pollinators brought a plethora of benefits to the farm. Their delicate buzzing wings carried the promise of enhanced fruit germination, a fact evident in the unparalleled taste of bee-pollinated tomatoes compared to their counterparts. The bees diligently went about their work, pollinating summer veggies, wild thyme, carob, almond trees, and every nectar-bearing flower in the vicinity, adapting to the changing seasons.

To support this essential bee population, thoughtful measures were implemented.

Shallow water sources dotted the landscape, providing a place for the bees to sit and hydrate. Inside their hive, hydration was complemented by carefully provided food during periods when flowers were scarce. The farm diligently addressed threats like Varroa mites through treatments, ensuring the health and resilience of their precious pollinators.

However, the idyllic harmony faced a significant challenge — the invasion of big brown hornets.

These formidable foes posed a dual threat, preying on both the bees and the ripening fruits of the farm. What began as a few curious hornets evolved into a full-fledged assault, with the intruders adapting strategies to penetrate the hive.

Efforts to curtail the hornet menace were valiant, with traps capturing over a hundred of these marauders. Yet, their numbers persisted, forcing the farm to make a difficult decision. Two days ago, the hive, once a symbol of life and fertility, was relocated in a bid to protect the bees from the relentless assault of the hornets.

As the hive moved to a new location, hope lingers for the bees to endure the winter ahead. The story of Mavronero Farm’s bees is not just one of challenges but of resilience, adaptation, and the delicate balance between the agricultural ecosystem and the forces of nature. In every buzz, there’s a lesson — a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of sustainability and harmony endures. The journey continues, and Mavronero Farm remains a beacon of coexistence, where bees and humans strive to live in balance with the land they share.

As plans were sketched and visions crystallized, the prospect of having four to ten hives at Mavronero Farm emerged not only as an expansion of beekeeping but as a conscious step towards creating a richer, more biodiverse, and interconnected agricultural tapestry.

The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges facing our generation and the ones to come. Agriculture has a key role to play here, both as a cause of environmental degredation and a victim of changes in the climate and the water cycle. The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges facing our generation and the ones to come. Agriculture has a key role to play here, both as a cause of environmental degredation and a victim of changes in the climate and the water cycle. 

The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges facing our generation and the ones to come. Agriculture has a key role to play here, both as a cause of environmental degredation and a victim of changes in the climate and the water cycle. 

One of the first organic farms in Cyprus

The land, located close to the rocky hills of Stavrovouni Monastery, was acquired by Mr Philipou in 1984. At that time, the land was in its natural wild state – all you could see was wild bushes, shrubs, pine trees and wild olive trees. The landscape is criss-crossed by a river and water passing from the mountain, which means an adequate water supply, fertile soils, and natural biodiversity. 

Having returned from living in the UK, farming seemed the obvious choice for Mr. Philipou because he grew up in a farming family. At the time, chemicals and fertilizers were just coming into agriculture. But apart from chemicals being expensive to purchase, he knew that farming chemicals are harmful to the soil, so he decided to take the organic path. 

He was a farmer ahead of his time in recognising the value of organic farming and benefits of sustainable agriculture to society. Being a big advocate of organic tree farming, he started educating himself by reading relevant books and booklets published by the Ministry of Agriculture. A few years later, he joined the sustainable farming incentive scheme to maximize the potential of the land and generate efficient levels of olive oil production. 

Shining a light below the surface

Healthy soils are a necessary foundation for plants and trees to grow and flourish. At Mavronero Farm, one can find a range of different soil types throughout the land, including but not limited to clay, silt, chalk, red soil and sand, which means good soil structure, enhanced biodiversity, improved water storage, and increased crop yield. Additionally, thanks to the river passing through the land and the river water flowing underneath, the soil is fertile, which in turn explains why the farm is made up of a variety of herbs and trees, such as olive, citrus, fig, pomegranate, vine, almond and walnut trees. 

Dedication + hard work = the recipe for success

Over the years, Mr Philipou faced many challenges and a great deal of uncertainty, but he managed to overcome the risks and challenges. He successfully located underground water with the dowsing method and dug several wells and boreholes, placing barriers along the river to save water for the farm. Thus, the once uncultivated piece of land has been transformed into a thriving organic olive tree farm. But he not only planted olive trees in perfect alignment, he chose to plant a variety of plants and trees to provide nectar and pollen as food for bees and other insects.  

A vision for the future

Due to age and health problems of the owner, his children decided to sell the farm. In Simon Stürtz they found a person sharing the same vision as Mr Philipou for sustainable farming and agriculture. His vision is to take sustainable growth in agriculture to the next level by introducing permaculture, smart farming and other innovative ways of farming. Whoever shares the same vision with us is welcome to connect and collaborate! Contact our team and stay tuned for updates! 

The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges facing our generation and the ones to come. Agriculture has a key role to play here, both as a cause of environmental degredation and a victim of changes in the climate and the water cycle. The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges facing our generation and the ones to come. Agriculture has a key role to play here, both as a cause of environmental degredation and a victim of changes in the climate and the water cycle. 

The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges facing our generation and the ones to come. Agriculture has a key role to play here, both as a cause of environmental degredation and a victim of changes in the climate and the water cycle.