Regenerative Grown
How We Farm
Regenerative farming focuses on growing plants within a vibrant, living ecosystem. Each plant is connected to the soil and to the other organisms around it, contributing to and benefiting from this network. Unlike conventional methods that rely on tilling, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides that deplete soil life, regenerative practices build soil health naturally. The interaction between roots, microbes, and nutrients creates a dynamic cycle that nourishes the trees from the ground up, producing fruit that is whole, flavorful, and full of the benefits of a thriving ecosystem.
Regenerative Farming Nourishes Life
Fruit from a regenerative farm carries more than flavor—it carries the vitality of the entire ecosystem that grew it. Every bite reflects the careful balance of soil, plants, and microbes working together to create life. This fruit is naturally rich in nutrients, supporting not just our taste buds, but our health and wellbeing.
By contrast, conventionally grown fruit often focuses on appearance and speed. It may look perfect on the outside, but it lacks the depth of nutrition that comes from living soil. Grown quickly with synthetic inputs, it misses the natural cycles that give truly nourishing fruit its richness.
Bringing Regeneration to Life
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It’s a patient process here at Cherrywood Orchard. We never till the soil, never use herbicides, and focus on keeping chemical inputs to a minimum. Instead, we rely on natural nutrition, carefully monitoring tree health so we can give them exactly what they need. When pests like the western cherry fruit fly require management, we use OMRI-listed products, the same ones approved for organic farming. By reducing synthetic nitrogen and avoiding harsh practices, our trees grow slower, stronger, and produce cherries full of vitality.
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Healthy soil is the foundation of everything we do. We feed our soil living nutrition through compost, humus extract, fish hydrolysate, kelp, and molasses — all of which nourish the microbes that keep our orchard thriving. These microbes unlock minerals and cycle nutrients, while mycorrhizal fungi form natural underground networks that deliver nutrition straight to the roots. The result is soil that works in harmony with our trees, much like a forest floor.
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Each spring, we plant a diverse mix of four cover crop species around our trees. These living plants protect the soil, reduce erosion, and feed the microbial life underground. Their root systems pump carbon and nutrients into the ground, creating resilience that supports both our orchard and the fruit it produces. Though we don’t plant winter covers, the living systems we build in the spring sustain soil life year-round.
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Every farm faces challenges, and for us it’s mainly the western cherry fruit fly and aphids. Left unmanaged, they can damage fruit and trees, so we take a careful, balanced approach. We never blanket the orchard with harsh chemicals — instead, we rely on targeted applications of OMRI-listed sprays when necessary. This keeps our fruit safe, while protecting the overall health of the orchard ecosystem.
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Our orchard is also a home. Birds nest in the trees, garter snakes weave through the grasses, and flocks of wild turkeys roam the rows. By avoiding herbicides and maintaining ground cover, we create safe spaces for wildlife to thrive alongside our cherries. From pollinators to songbirds, every part of this natural habitat plays a role in keeping Cherrywood Orchard balanced and alive.
