Frog Hollow Farm

It’s mid-March, which means apricots are on our mind. The trees are loaded with blossoms, promising an incredible season ahead. But spring is a precarious time in the orchard. Warm, wet weather creates the perfect conditions for fungal disease, which can devastate our apricots.?? At Frog Hollow Farm, we are brewing up resilience with compost tea - a powerhouse mix of beneficial microbes that protects our trees from fungal disease and enriches our soil. ?? ?? How it works: When rain is in the forecast, we steep a 5-pound compost bag in a 300-gallon vat, adding fish emulsion, seaweed powder, molasses, and humic acid to fuel microbial growth. After three days of aeration, it’s ready to spray! Our tractors pass through the orchard misting the trees with this beneficial brew. ?? Why it matters: Compost tea inoculates trees with beneficial microbes, creating an ecosystem that naturally fights off fungal disease—no synthetic chemicals needed. It also improves soil structure, boosting water retention—a key benefit as we soak up this week’s rain! ? The challenge: Timing is key. Once brewed, the tea is only good for 8 hours, and weather conditions must be just right for application. Last week, we sprayed over 10,000 apricot trees in advance of the rain! In the late winter and spring, we spray the trees to combat fungal disease. In summer, we add compost tea to our irrigation system, covering all 260 acres to nourish the soil ecosystem. The result? Healthier trees, richer soil, better water absorption, and legendary organic fruit! Nature knows best, and we’re just following her lead!?? ?? Read our full blog post about our compost tea process here: https://lnkd.in/gwBeqqHp #CompostTea #HealthySoil #WaterRetention #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilFoodWeb #OrganicApricots

??This week, we’re celebrating World Wildlife Day and the many creatures in our ecosystem that play a vital role in growing our legendary organic fruit. From the pollinators that help our orchards bloom to the wildlife beneath our feet—worms, fungi, and beneficial bacteria that enrich our soil—every species plays a vital role in maintaining a balanced environment. That’s why we actively create habitats to support them: ? Monarch Butterflies & Native Bees – With the help from Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, we’ve planted over 170 native plants since 2021 and continue growing year-round flowering species to provide food and shelter for these essential pollinators. ???? ? Barn Owls for Natural Pest Control – Instead of using harmful chemicals, we encourage nature to do the work! Our owl boxes provide safe nesting spaces for barn owls, who naturally manage gopher populations.?? ? Hedgerows & Cover Crops – Thanks to assistance of the USDA National Resources Conservation Service, we’ve planted California-native hedgerows that offer food and shelter for birds, pollinators, and small mammals. Cover crops also protect soil health, retain moisture, and attract predatory insects for natural pest control. ???? ?Composting & The Wildlife Beneath Our Feet – Beneath our orchards, a thriving community of macrofauna, fungi, and beneficial bacteria are hard at work, breaking down nutrients and enriching our soil. These unseen heroes are just as vital to our farm’s ecosystem as the owls and bees above.???? Join us as we celebrate all the species—big and small, above and below ground—that sustain life on Earth and act as our partners in growing our legendary fruit that is good for you and the planet. Read our full blog post about World Wildlife Day here:?https://lnkd.in/gi6vtSbK When you bite into our summer stone fruit you’ll taste the difference that fruit grown in partnership with nature makes. See our incredible lineup of spring and summer fruit here: https://lnkd.in/gg98Dx3M #WorldWildlifeDay #Biodiversity #RegenerativeAgriculture #OrganicFarming #WildlifeConservation #Pollinators #HealthySoil #Sustainability #WildlifeBeneathOurFeet #FrogHollowFarm #GrownForFlavor

Today is National Tell a Fairy Tale Day ??? Once upon a time at Frog Hollow Farm, a farmer with a love for storytelling dreamed of sharing more than just fruit—he wanted to share a story. Inspired by Kenneth Grahame’s, The Wind in the Willows, Farmer Al envisioned a way to capture the magic of nature, the harmony between land and those who tend to it, and the wonder of a beautifully illustrated tale. And so, our Story Box was born.???? With the help of gifted artists, this special package became a portal to an enchanting world and an iconic symbol of our farm, instantly recognizable to our customers. A friendly bear ??—none other than Farmer Al himself—gently plucks fruit from a tree, a tiny frog perches on his shoulder, bees hum busily, rabbits frolic in the fields, and Mt. Diablo stands tall in the background. Every brushstroke tells a tale of our commitment to regenerative organic farming, of sun-ripened bounty, and of the joyful dance between nature and nurture. ???? Like any good story, the Story Box invites you in. With each bite of our legendary fruit, you become part of this fairy tale—one where the land provides its sweetest gifts, and we, in turn, care for it with love. ???? On this special day, take a moment to step into the magic. ??? Read the full story being our farm’s Story Box here: https://lnkd.in/gVZwMjGY?

That juicy, sweet peach you savor in the peak of summer is actually a product of winter’s chill, quietly working behind the scenes to ensure a bountiful harvest. ???? At Frog Hollow Farm, our stone fruit trees—peaches, apricots, cherries, and more—depend on chill hours (temperatures between 32–45°F) to rest, recharge, and bloom beautifully in spring. But with climate change reducing these crucial cold periods,? orchards? face challenges such as late leaf-out, weaker buds, and smaller, inconsistent harvests. ??Good news in 2025: Brentwood has logged 819 chill hours so far, the best in five years! But long-term trends show a decline, making adaptation essential. ? We’re taking action! Here’s how we are taking proactive steps to mitigate the challenges posed by declining chill hours: ?? Planting low-chill varieties like Royal Tioga cherries that require fewer chill hours ??Introducing resilient crops like mulberries that thrive in shifting conditions ??Practicing regenerative organic production practices to boost soil health, increase biodiversity, and lower our carbon footprint ??Upcycling cosmetically challenged fruit into delicious products and composting to reduce food waste and methane emissions While we can’t control the weather, we can control how we adapt and innovate! By staying ahead of change, we’ll continue growing the delicious, high-quality fruit our customers love—for generations to come. ?? ??Resilience is key. Innovation is how we grow. #RegenerativeFarming #ClimateResilience #SustainableAgriculture #FutureOfFarming #RegenerativeOrganic #FightingFoodWaste #Composting

??On sunny winter days, we’re out in the orchard spreading compost. At Frog Hollow Farm, we believe that healthy trees start with healthy soil! That’s why we apply our farm-made compost every year—turning waste into nutrient-rich gold that feeds our orchard and enhances soil health. In 2024 alone, we spread 5,000 tonnes of compost, up to 20 tonnes per acre, to ensure our trees get the nutrients they need. ???? ???? Our compost starts with fruit scraps from our packing shed, kitchen, and drying yard, combined with pruned branches??and horse bedding to create the perfect balance of carbon, nitrogen, and sugars. This blend fuels microbial activity, transforming waste into a powerhouse of organic matter that boosts soil fertility, improves water retention, and helps sequester carbon.?? ?? But compost isn’t just about nutrients—it’s also about the thriving fungal network it supports. Our trees prefer compost that is rich in fungal species, which is why we prioritize woody, carbon-dense materials in our composting process. Trees and fungi have evolved together for hundreds of millions of years, forming partnerships that enhance nutrient absorption, strengthen disease resistance, and improve resilience against extreme weather. When Northern California experienced major flooding a couple of years ago, our soil—rich in organic matter and microbial life—acted like a sponge, absorbing water and protecting our orchard.???? ????Composting isn’t just a practice; it’s a commitment to ecosystem and soil health, and the future of farming. Every handful of compost is packed with life, ensuring our trees grow stronger, our fruit grows sweeter, and our farm remains resilient for generations to come. Read our full blog on how we use compost to feed our orchard here: ?https://lnkd.in/gEeNWCHb #Compost #Fungi #RegenerativeAgriculture #HealthySoil #SustainableFarming #FrogHollowFarm

Big news!??The FDA has officially banned Red No. 3 from food and drinks—a significant step toward a cleaner, healthier food system. Despite being linked to cancer in animals and raising concerns about the impact on children’s behavior, this synthetic dye is still used in thousands of processed foods, from candies and cereals. Removing it is a long-overdue step to protect kids, and adults alike, from harmful artificial additives. At Frog Hollow Farm, we’ve always believed that nature provides the best colors and nutrients. Our blood oranges, now in season, for example, contain Red Orange Complex (ROC), a natural extract packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. This is the kind of "red" we should be celebrating! ???? Through our partnership with Conscious Kitchen (Turning Green), we’re proud to provide fresh, organic fruit to schools across the Bay Area??—helping to replace artificial additives with real, nourishing food. Let’s keep pushing for a food system that prioritizes real ingredients over ultra-processed foods! ??Read more about the Red No. 3 ban here: https://lnkd.in/emHsRmuT #RealFood #Organic #FoodSystems #HealthyEating #FoodSystems #CleanIngredients #FrogHollowFarm

We are excited to share our organic Meyer Lemon Olive Oil! ???? At Frog Hollow Farm, we take pride in creating products that celebrate the terroir of our land. Our Meyer Lemon Olive Oil is a standout example—a vibrant, aromatic oil that combines tradition, craftsmanship, and health. Inspired by the Italian agrumato method, we partnered with McEvoy Ranch to press our organic Meyer lemons—skin, pith, and flesh—together with our organic Cortina olives. While our olives are usually harvested between October and November, we waited until December to harvest the Cortina olives alongside the Meyer lemons. This extra time on the tree allows the olives to develop a smooth, buttery flavor. By milling the olives and lemons together immediately after harvest, we created an oil that perfectly balances bright citrus notes with rich olive character. ???? This versatile oil can transform any dish! Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, seafood, or chicken, or add a refreshing kick to salads and marinades. For a sweet twist, use it in olive oil cakes or as a topping for vanilla ice cream with a sprinkle of salt. ?? ?? Beyond its incredible flavor, our Meyer Lemon Olive Oil is packed with health benefits. It’s rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, promoting overall wellness while reducing inflammation. Our commitment to organic farming means you’re supporting a product that nurtures both your body and the planet. ?? Elevate your cooking this season with the vibrant flavors of Frog Hollow’s Meyer Lemon Olive Oil????. Learn more about our oil here: https://lnkd.in/g7CjQbAu #MeyerLemonOliveOil #Sustainability #FarmToTable #HealthyEating #FrogHollowFarm #AgrumatoMethod #OliveOil

?? Blood Orange Season is Here! ?? This winter, we’re thrilled to share an abundant harvest of blood oranges—bursting with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and endless culinary possibilities! ??? From the sweet, citrusy Tarocco to the rich, crimson Moro and the cherry-raspberry notes of the Sanguinelli, each variety is a feast for the senses. Their stunning hues, from bright orange and pink streaks to deep burgundy, make them as beautiful as they are delicious! Packed with vitamin C and anthocyanins, these seasonal gems can support heart health, boost circulation, and protect against pollution-related conditions. To experience the magic of this season’s harvest for yourself, you can find our blood oranges in our CSA boxes, at our Farmers Markets, at select retailers, or delivered straight to your door via www.froghollow.com. Bring the vibrant flavors of blood oranges to your table—whether in salads, festive drinks, or simply enjoyed fresh. ???? #BloodOranges #FarmFresh #SeasonalFruit #HealthyEating #WinterHarvest #RegenerativeOrganic

As 2024 comes to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on a year of meaningful impact at Frog Hollow Farm. ? Here are a few milestones we’re proud to share this year: ?? Nourishing Schools ??: In the US, Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs) make up about two-thirds of the average diet of children (source: Green Queen - https://lnkd.in/e6SBxxa4). This year, we proudly sold about 220,000 lbs of fresh fruit to schools throughout the Bay Area in partnership with Conscious Kitchen, a program of Turning Green. Together, we're ensuring healthy, organic options for students and combating the rise of UPFs in kids' diets. ?? Optimizing Our Harvest ??: We continued our commitment to reducing food waste while utilizing our fruit for its best purpose - eating! 227,000 lbs of ripe, juicy, and cosmetically challenged fruit, not otherwise salable, was transformed into nutrient-dense and delicious dried fruit in our dry yard. According to ReFED, approximately 33% of food in the US goes to waste annually. We're committed to changing that on our farm. ?? Composting - Turning Waste to Resource ??: Anything that can’t be sold for fresh eating and doesn’t make it to our Farm Kitchen or dry yard is recycled into nutrient-rich compost. This year, we applied 5,000 tons of compost back into our orchard, enriching the soil with vital nutrients and microbial life. ?? Affordable Housing for Farm Workers ??: We installed four new modern tiny homes on the farm in partnership with Hijas Del Campo, providing affordable and comfortable housing for our incredible team members. These milestones are more than numbers; they reflect our commitment to caring for our planet, supporting our community, and driving innovation. We're deeply grateful to everyone who supported us this year -? from our community of eaters and collaborating partners to our incredible team that brings it all to life. As we look ahead to 2025, we're excited to keep growing, learning, and making a difference together. ?? #2024Impact #FrogHollowFarm #FarmtoSchool #RegenerativeOrganic #Upcycled #FoodWasteReduction ????

Global cropland soils have the capacity to sequester 1.85 billion tonnes of carbon annually. That’s equivalent to removing 6.79 billion tonnes of CO? from the atmosphere each year! ?? (Read the full study "Global Sequestration Potential of Increased Organic Carbon in Cropland Soils” here: https://lnkd.in/gwJiPRYE ) ?? Through regenerative agriculture, we can harness this potential by improving soil health and boosting organic matter. These practices transform croplands into carbon sinks, capturing CO? from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil. This not only mitigates climate change but also enhances soil fertility, water retention, and biodiversity - building more resilient ecosystems for the future. ?? At Frog Hollow Farm, we value regenerative practices that nurture the land. Our trees are part of a closed-loop carbon system. As trees grow, they capture carbon from the atmosphere, storing it in their wood and branches. Through careful thinning and pruning, we ensure that the organic matter left behind is utilized to enrich our soil, fostering healthy growth. When our trees reach the end of their productive life, they are repurposed into compost, replenishing the soil for future generations of trees. ?? This continuous cycle of carbon capture, enrichment, and regeneration ensures a sustainable, thriving ecosystem for both our farm and the planet. The solution to climate change is right beneath our feet—let’s harness the power of healthy soils to create a more sustainable future for all. #RegenerativeAgriculture #Sustainability #CarbonSinks #SoilOrganicMatter #FarmingForTheFuture