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Gardens and Orchards Quinn has proven that vegetables can be grown without irrigation or chemical fertilizer on dryland farms. For the last several years, he has grown melons, potatoes, corn, onions, tomatoes, and squash on the prairie with no irrigation. He has found four important components for successful dryland gardening: plant cold-sensitive vegetables immediately aer frost when the ground is still moist from winter snows and spring rains, give each plant room—approximately three times more than normal—to spread its roots to gain moisture from a large area, keep the area free of weeds that would steal moisture from the vegetable plants, and rotate the ground with legumes or buckwheat that feed the soil. "A farmer cares for the soil first," said Quinn. "en the soil takes care of the plants." He also has an orchard where he grows grapes, apples, pears, tart cherries, and raspberries in a sheltered area. Dwarf trees are presently popular because they are easy to pick, but in north central Montana, Quinn finds that standard stock is hardier. He does water young trees and bushes to get them started, and he mulches to keep down the weeds. He finds that his farm is about a half zone colder than its current USDA Hardiness Zone Four designation, so he orders Zone ree orchard stock. Plans Quinn is considering making a part of his farm into a research center for the development of organic farming and gardening techniques. "As an agricultural industry, we have modified food so that it is cheap and has a long shelf life, but it is flavorless and has less nutrition. We must find a way to grow food that meets the farmer's economic needs and the consumer's health needs," he said. Seing his compass toward this goal, Quinn continues to make each day count. Apples ripen on the trees in Bob Quinn's orchard. www.columbiagrain.com Celebrating Our 40th Year Marketing Montana Grain, Oil Seeds and Pulses Worldwide Working with and for Montana Farmers Locally Managed and Community Minded Creating Jobs and Supporting the Local Economy S MT SiG MT 29 A life-long interest in communications made Suzanne Waring first a college instructor and then a writer. She lives in Great Falls and writes about Montana people and their communities. Pioneer Insurance is an Equal Opportunity Provider Independent agency representing many of the top farm insurance companies. Call us today to review your coverage. P I O N E E R i n s u r a n c e a g e n c y Protection for Farm, Ranch, Crop & Business 406.622.5033 • www.pioneeragency.com P I O N E E R i n s u r a n c e a g e n c y 1618 Front Street • PO Box 128 • Fort Benton, MT 59442 • Fax 406.622.5001 Protecting Your Assets as if ey Were Our Own Protecting Your Assets as if ey Were Our Own

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