Growing sweet potatoes from slips: from propagation to planting

Every successful harvest begins long before crops are planted in the field. At Mavronero, we document each stage of cultivation to better understand plant development and share practical regenerative farming techniques that can be applied in Mediterranean environments. This season, we propagated sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) from slips before transplanting 21 young plants onto our … Read more

Growing lavender from cuttings in the Mavronero nursery

Growing new plants does not always begin with seeds. Many Mediterranean herbs can be propagated from cuttings, allowing a single healthy plant to become many. During the summer of 2026, several cuttings of true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) were planted in the nursery at Mavronero Farm. The cuttings were kindly shared by a friend of one … Read more

Soil block maker

Soil block propagation at Mavronero

At Mavronero, plant propagation is understood as a foundational stage within the cultivation system rather than a preliminary step. The way seedlings are started has a direct influence on how they will grow, adapt, and perform once established in the field. As part of an ongoing process of refinement and experimentation, soil blocks have recently … Read more

Cherry tomatoes planting

Cherry tomatoes at Mavronero: soil block propagation and deep planting techniques

Introduction At Mavronero, the planting of cherry tomatoes marks the beginning of one of the most productive phases of the growing season. This stage connects earlier propagation methods with field cultivation, bringing together preparation, timing, and technique. This season, approximately 44 tomato plants from two different varieties have been transplanted into the field, following a … Read more

Seeds of parsley and coriander prepared for sowing in nursery trays

Parsley and Coriander: seed propagation and adaptive cultivation practices

Morphological characteristics Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum) are herbaceous species belonging to the Apiaceae family, characterized by their aromatic properties and distinctive reproductive structures. Both species develop compound leaves and produce inflorescences in the form of umbels, a trait that enhances accessibility for a wide range of pollinators. Key characteristics include: These morphological … Read more