Humboldt Origins
Amaranth Farms has been a family owned organic farm in Humboldt County since 1971.
We moved to this property, a raw piece of land in Northern California, to pursue our goal of becoming self sufficient, and to create a place where Tom could continue his art projects. Our family expanded to include two children who grew up with both the advantages and hardships of country life. Through the years, we made a homestead by building our own house; planting orchards of fruit and nut trees; raising farm animals; and planting vegetable and herb gardens. We were able to support ourselves with the products of our land and a lot of effort. We had no conveniences like electricity or phone, and very few neighbors.
In the beginning we became friends with “E”, a Native American from the Wailaki tribe, who taught us everything we needed to know to live off the land, and who became the kids first and only babysitter. We lived in a tipi until our house was livable, and dug our gardens by hand. Our house was made with wood salvaged from a house that we dismantled, as well as trees from our land.
Moving into Cannabis
We have a love for farming that has lasted over 50 years. Amaranth Farms is a heritage farm, and has expanded to involve three generations of our family. We are now licensed to cultivate cannabis at three farms in Humboldt County, and produce the highest quality flowers for both the medical and recreational user.
We practice organic growing methods and regenerative farming techniques to respect our environment, conserve water and wildlife, and improve our soil.
Original Growers of Humboldt County
Marcus Lemonis with CNBC did a documentary on the developing cannabis industry in California. Marcus visited Amaranth Farms and filmed the stages of the season, from the greenhouse nursery to the outdoor planting and fall harvest.
Amaranth Farms is in a documentary by Marcus Lemonis, with CNBC, “The Profit in Marijuana Country”, aired in January 2018. Interviews with Tom and Karen and their children, Nya and Elan.
Tommy, in an article by Seth Ferranti, “The Outlaw Picasso”, telling the story of his art and Amaranth Farms.
Tommy, 50 years ago.