Brooks and Daughters

FARMLAND: 5 acres in Forestville, about 70 miles from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

PEOPLE: Jim and Corie Brooks along with 1 occasional seasonal employee

ABOUT: Jim Brooks and his wife, Corie, who has a background as a food scientist, launched their sprout growing business in 1996. They named their business "Brooks and Daughters" in honor of their two daughters. They are proud of their business and sell 95% of their sprouts directly to consumers.

Brooks and Daughters uses only clean water and organic compost with their sprouts. All sprouts are started on specially designed racks under a large shaded structure. As the seeds begin to sprout, they are planted in soil on 17" x 17" open-bottom nursery flats and moved into greenhouses. The sprouts then grow for 1 to 4 weeks in the greenhouses before they are ready for market.

FERTILIZER: Sea kelp enzyme is applied to wheatgrass.

WEED CONTROL: By hand.

PEST MANAGEMENT: Humane traps.

WATER USE: City water.

ORGANIC CERTIFICATION: None. Use organic growing practices.