We believe organic farming is one of the many exclusive benefits to purchasing land from JeffersonLand.net. All of our families are encouraged to try their hand at making a garden. Some choose to and others even choose to invest resources in a hobby vineyard. Whatever conclusion our families arrive at, we strive to support them in every way possible. Creating a garden on one of our lots is an excellent prospect because of the specific microclimate unique to central Virginia mountains. If you would like to know more, please continue reading about why an organic garden, vineyard, or orchard on our mountain property is different from your run of the mill experience.
One of the distinct advantages mountain farms and gardens have over traditional, low-lying agricultural sites in Virginia is the extended growing season. Our land is situated above the tropopause, allowing for warmer temperatures during the night. The phenomenon at work involves less dense warmer air sitting on top of the cooler air residing in the valley below. The warm air is present throughout the night and keeps frost at bay whereas the valley below will get cold enough to frost up. As well, it avoids spring frost kill. This increase in the longevity of the growing season allows mountain farmers to collect more food from every plant. Using this advantage as well as starting to grow young plants indoors before outdoor weather permits can greatly increase plant productivity. Our land is located in the perfect place to benefit from the characteristic behavior of the tropopause and can help all mountain farmers increase their yield.
The altitude not only increases the length of the growing season, but also facilitates the growth of certain plants. Many of the native berry bushes, such as raspberry, black raspberry, and blackberry, thrive in a mountain climate and many of our lots already have naturally occurring berry patches. Herbs and spices also do very well at a slightly higher altitude, not to mention medicinal herbs for a more natural approach to preventing and treating diseases. A higher altitude can offer a unique advantage to the farmer willing to plant in the mountains.
Another benefit of farming in the Appalachian Mountains is the abundance of natural water sources. Regular rainfall in central Virginia averages 44 inches per year, but it can be sporadic and weeklong droughts are not uncommon. The streams and springs that run through our properties can help a mountain farmer ensure the crop won’t be lost because of under watering.
The soil in the Appalachian Mountains is well suited for growing. Perennials like apple trees and grapevines grow extremely well on the slopes of the mountains. A small hobby vineyard is a great way to take advantage of the growing conditions on our mountain land. The main concern when using mountain soil is the lack of organic matter, so fertilizing plants with a compost heap is a wonderful way to promote environmental sustainability. This concern is lessened in the Appalachian Mountains because of their geologic history. Minerals have eroded from the mountains and settled near stream beds and flatter areas of the mountain. These areas in particular have a deep, rich soil that is ideal for any type of plant. Growing plants in mountain soil is unique depending on the soil type. We have soil reports from all our lots, and encourage you to contact us for further information.
Family compounds can be created from several adjacent platted lots, or
subdivided from a larger lot. There are many benefits to owning a family
compound. Everyone in the family is close together so travel is not a
worry anymore. Each generation can have their own house or share with
others. Environmentally, owning a large amount of land allows for protection
of that land so it can be enjoyed by generations yet to come. In our inventory
are suitable examples where either approach would yield an exceptional
heritage site for your family. Zoning laws vary by county so please contact
us for specific information or if you have any other questions.
Simply owning rural mountain land allows one to practice good environmental stewardship by providing an opportunity to maintain the rich forests of central Virginia. However, if there is a desire to formally display devotion to environmental maintenance then placing a conservation easement on your land is a possibility to consider. We encourage environmentally friendly development and aim to preserve the natural habitat on the land we own. One way that our buyers can participate in our devotion to conservation is by considering a conservation easement. A conservation easement is an agreement between a landowner and an intermediary approved by the government or a land protection organization. The exact terms of the contract are determined by the owner and one of the above organizations, but it ultimately agrees to preserve the natural beauty of the land instead of trying to profit from any resources on the land. Protecting the ecosystem in this way is not only environmentally friendly, but also has many tax benefits. Click Here to read more about the tax deductions available to those with conservation easement contracts. We at JeffersonLand.net hope that all of our landowners will help us look after the lush forests of the mountains. Please contact us if you have any questions about conservation easements.
Contact Us
Email:
info@JeffersonLand.net
Phone: 540-456-8899