Ed Pearson - Woodside Farms

How did you become a farmer?

I worked as an engineer in San Francisco for about 30 years. I was living in a third story apartment and had a geranium plant out on my fire escape. I started to realize that it was the only thing in my life really growing, and I slowly discovered how much time and energy I had been dedicating towards caring for it.

From that point on I needed to have more space. I’ve gone from having a garden at my home in Larkspur to having my home on my farm in Novato.

Why do you sell at farmers markets?

The greatest unforeseen benefit of selling at the farmers market for me is that it provides a social atmosphere. I like talking to people and connecting. I like answering questions and hearing about what customers are growing in their gardens.

I grew up in Connecticut, New England, on a vertically integrated dairy farm - meaning that we did everything from raising our own cows, milking them, processing and bottling the milk, and distributing it. I used to ride with my dad on his deliveries and can remember sitting in the car for hours while he had coffee and chatted with his customers. The point being that he never got off the farm. His only interactions with people were when he’d go to their homes and bring them bottles of milk. That was his social connection.

Back in the 40’s and 50’s milk went for 27 cents a quart!

What’s it like being a farmer in Marin?

Marin has an interesting microclimate, especially towards the eastern end of the area. There’s a unique confluence between coastal and inland climates. You have excellent conditions for growing crops like spinach, broccoli, and lettuce, like you would in places like the Sacramento Valley. Conversely, you have the ability to grow things like melons, tomatoes, and peppers.

Has that influenced the way you farm?

The diversity of product has always appealed to me. I like to try to grow different things and learn about their individual horticultures and propagation techniques. I’ve experimented with 50 different varieties of tomatoes. Through trying different varieties you learn what grows well in the area, how things taste, how much work they are to maintain, and you discover the differences in their yields.

What method of farming do you implement on you farm?

I grow organically, but I’m not a certified organic grower. I used to be certified before the association began. Now it’s directed by corporate industries that have made it difficult for the small farmer. With the formation of the association we have now came a lot of paperwork and potential liabilities. I’d rather spend my time and energy researching new products and techniques, getting my hands in the dirt, and weeding my onions. The more significant issues for me are supporting your local growers and supporting sustainability.