Our next Know Your Vegetables will be on the 19th of January (MLK Day) at 6:30 PM here at Brix Bounty Farm, we'll discuss Seed Selection and Varieties for 2009; Succession Planting and Crop Rotation.
Alderbrook Farm in Russells Mills has a Johnny's Selected Seeds rack and Marvin Grain on Cove Road in Dartmouth is another popular local seed reseller.
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Organization (MOFGA) compiled a list of Organic Seed Sources. The list was published in 2002 so some info may be out of date, but it is still a useful resource. For commercial quantities of seed, I've enjoyed supporting the following companies: Fedco, High Mowing Organic Seeds, and Johnny's Selected Seeds . For smaller quantities of interesting varieties: Baker Creek, Seed Savers Exchange, and Turtle Tree.
Other upcoming events to consider adding to your calendar: Winter Study for Farmers and Gardeners beginning this Wednesday evening here at Brix Bounty Farm, NOFAMASS Winter Conference on January 17th in Worcester, Mass, and the Shrink Your Footprint Series also on the 17th of January, sponsored by SEEAL and other local organizations, at the Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford.
To receive monthly reminders about Know Your Vegetables please contact Derek Christianson.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
An Introduction to Biodynamic Agriculture at Know Your Vegetables, Monday Dec 15th 6:30 PM
This Monday evening, we'll be having another installment of Know Your Vegetables. I'll be presenting an introduction to Biodynamic Agriculture. Biodynamics is a field of agriculture that has developed from an initial series of lectures, Spiritual Foundations for the Renewal of Agriculture, presented by Rudolf Steiner in the summer of 1924.
In 2006 and 2007 I farmed at Hawthorne Valley Farm in Harlemville, NY. While I focused primarily on the 12 acres we had in vegetable production, the farm also had a dairy herd that played a central role in the life and fertility of the farm. Hawthorne Valley has played a leading role in the development of Biodynamic Agriculture in the eastern United States, alongside: the Pfeiffer Center in Spring Valley, NY and the Josephine Porter Insitute (JPI) for Applied Biodynamics in Virginia.
Biodynamics has a national certifying agent, Demeter USA. I'm not aware of any certified biodynamic operations along the Southcoast though there are a few growers who are using practices associated with Biodynamics.
On a slightly different note, I've been working on a brief resource list for Know Your Vegetables. One site I'm sure to include is ATTRA (the National Sustainable Agricultural Information Service), they are a great resource for gardeners and farmers of all experience levels; they regularly publish information on a wide array of relevant topics. Back in 1999 they published information on Biodynamic Farming & Compost Preparation.
In 2006 and 2007 I farmed at Hawthorne Valley Farm in Harlemville, NY. While I focused primarily on the 12 acres we had in vegetable production, the farm also had a dairy herd that played a central role in the life and fertility of the farm. Hawthorne Valley has played a leading role in the development of Biodynamic Agriculture in the eastern United States, alongside: the Pfeiffer Center in Spring Valley, NY and the Josephine Porter Insitute (JPI) for Applied Biodynamics in Virginia.
Biodynamics has a national certifying agent, Demeter USA. I'm not aware of any certified biodynamic operations along the Southcoast though there are a few growers who are using practices associated with Biodynamics.
On a slightly different note, I've been working on a brief resource list for Know Your Vegetables. One site I'm sure to include is ATTRA (the National Sustainable Agricultural Information Service), they are a great resource for gardeners and farmers of all experience levels; they regularly publish information on a wide array of relevant topics. Back in 1999 they published information on Biodynamic Farming & Compost Preparation.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Winter Study for Farmers and Gardeners
Wednesdays, @ 7PM, Jan. 7 - Feb. 4, at Brix Bounty Farm
Join us for a 5-week winter study as we discuss:
Mainline Farming for Century 21:
Lessons in Reams-Method Agronomy
by Dan Skow, D.V.M. & Charles Walters
To RSVP, Please contact Derek at 508-992-1868.
The book is available online at Acres USA and Pike Agri-Lab Supplies.
Cost of the book is $19.00 plus shipping (financial assistance available).
An introduction to Carey Reams is available at International Ag. Labs.
The topics in this book will serve as a nice introduction to some of the ideas Arden Andersen may present at the NOFA Mass 1st Annual Winter Growers Seminar, to be held in Barre, MA from Feb 5-7, 2009.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Healthy School Lunches...a Possibility?
On Thursday November 6th at 6PM (at the Marion Music Hall) I'll be joining a panel discussion in Marion after a showing of the film: "Two Angry Moms" The film is described as, "...a documentary that asks the question: What happens when two “fed-up” moms try to change the school lunch program?" The screening of the film is hosted by the Marion Institute and is free and open to the public. Filmmaker, Amy Kalafa will be a special guest at the event that is sure to invoke great discussion about the quality of school lunches in our nation today.
Imagine the difference if our children consumed lunches that were healthy, well balanced, and prepared with nutrient dense foods. I believe the balanced blood sugar, one likely result, would be a pre-requisite for a conducive learning environment. As today is the first day of school after Halloween I'm reminded of the teachers who will doubtessly teach kids with amped up energy; just one more reason to really appreciate the dedicated work of teachers in our communities. Jon Frank of International Ag. Labs recently hosted a series of 3 teleseminars in advance of the conference, "Call to Arms: Equipping Market Gardeners to Produce Nutrient Dense Foods". I would highly recommend any of the teleseminars for anyone looking for an introduction to "high brix" growing.
Finally, a few weeks back I was in Fall River where I led a soil workshop hosted by Healthy City Fall River on the basics of soil testing. We'll be working over the coming year to help promote the importance of soil testing in urban areas to verify the soil is safe for vegetable production (i.e. it doesn't have excessive heavy metal contamination) and for making smart fertilizer decisions that impact personal and environmental health. It's not too late to invest in the future (next growing season?) by adding necessary amendments to the soil before winter sets in...
Imagine the difference if our children consumed lunches that were healthy, well balanced, and prepared with nutrient dense foods. I believe the balanced blood sugar, one likely result, would be a pre-requisite for a conducive learning environment. As today is the first day of school after Halloween I'm reminded of the teachers who will doubtessly teach kids with amped up energy; just one more reason to really appreciate the dedicated work of teachers in our communities. Jon Frank of International Ag. Labs recently hosted a series of 3 teleseminars in advance of the conference, "Call to Arms: Equipping Market Gardeners to Produce Nutrient Dense Foods". I would highly recommend any of the teleseminars for anyone looking for an introduction to "high brix" growing.
Finally, a few weeks back I was in Fall River where I led a soil workshop hosted by Healthy City Fall River on the basics of soil testing. We'll be working over the coming year to help promote the importance of soil testing in urban areas to verify the soil is safe for vegetable production (i.e. it doesn't have excessive heavy metal contamination) and for making smart fertilizer decisions that impact personal and environmental health. It's not too late to invest in the future (next growing season?) by adding necessary amendments to the soil before winter sets in...
Friday, October 24, 2008
Invest in the Soil...
Our current economic downturn continues to reveal deeper trouble in the global economy; many solutions that will help us ease out of the current recession are being discussed at this weekend's Bioneers by the Bay Conference hosted by the city of New Bedford. I'll be joining a panel on Saturday focusing on green jobs: "Green Careers and Creating Eco-Equity in the Green Economy", 1:30 PM at the Whaling Museum in New Bedford.
I believe that investment in human and natural capital will play an integral role in a transition toward an economy built on real wealth (see recent post "50 Million Farmers Needed"). This future economy will be a contrast to the recent global economy that has led us into the current crisis; one built on consumption, debt, and depletion of our natural resources.
Action:
Invest in the soil: on the farm, in the backyard, on rooftop gardens; wherever food is or can be grown.
How:
Remineralize and reenergize depleted soils with nutrients needed for optimum plant growth. Don't limit our fertilizers and amendments to Nitrogen, Phospherous, and Potassium (N,P,K); instead we need to emphasize the importance of Calcium as well as Sufur, Magnesium, "minor nutrients" and "trace elements" to provide the full spectrum of nutrients that soil biology demands.To learn more about efforts to grow and promote nutrient dense foods check out the Real Food Campaign's website.
Refocus on building vibrant soil biology that will: make these nutrients available to the roots of our plants, create and maintain a healthy soil structure, prevent the loss of soil organic matter.
Result:
Production of nutritious fruits and vegetables that will nourish our bodies. Growing healthy food is real wealth creation that works with nature to build on the natural capital that we must steward for future generations.
Sounds simple, emphasize and focus on one of our most important resources, our soils, right? But a recent article "Drought Resistance is the Goal..." illustrates how our society focuses on technology (genetic engineering and plant breeding) as a solution to current and future agricultural problems. Personally, I feel this narrow focus on technological solution results from a focus on corporate profits; who will profit from healthy soils? Not agribusiness. Healthy soil will build profit for farmers and gardeners, a stable profit for generations to come.
If you haven't read the recent New York Times Magazine article written by Michael Pollan, "Farmer in Chief", I would encourage you to do so. Pollan once again does an admiral job of emphasizing the importance of sustainable agricultural production ("the original solar power") as part of the solution to our energy crisis and problems related to climate change.
I believe that investment in human and natural capital will play an integral role in a transition toward an economy built on real wealth (see recent post "50 Million Farmers Needed"). This future economy will be a contrast to the recent global economy that has led us into the current crisis; one built on consumption, debt, and depletion of our natural resources.
Action:
Invest in the soil: on the farm, in the backyard, on rooftop gardens; wherever food is or can be grown.
How:
Remineralize and reenergize depleted soils with nutrients needed for optimum plant growth. Don't limit our fertilizers and amendments to Nitrogen, Phospherous, and Potassium (N,P,K); instead we need to emphasize the importance of Calcium as well as Sufur, Magnesium, "minor nutrients" and "trace elements" to provide the full spectrum of nutrients that soil biology demands.To learn more about efforts to grow and promote nutrient dense foods check out the Real Food Campaign's website.
Refocus on building vibrant soil biology that will: make these nutrients available to the roots of our plants, create and maintain a healthy soil structure, prevent the loss of soil organic matter.
Result:
Production of nutritious fruits and vegetables that will nourish our bodies. Growing healthy food is real wealth creation that works with nature to build on the natural capital that we must steward for future generations.
Sounds simple, emphasize and focus on one of our most important resources, our soils, right? But a recent article "Drought Resistance is the Goal..." illustrates how our society focuses on technology (genetic engineering and plant breeding) as a solution to current and future agricultural problems. Personally, I feel this narrow focus on technological solution results from a focus on corporate profits; who will profit from healthy soils? Not agribusiness. Healthy soil will build profit for farmers and gardeners, a stable profit for generations to come.
If you haven't read the recent New York Times Magazine article written by Michael Pollan, "Farmer in Chief", I would encourage you to do so. Pollan once again does an admiral job of emphasizing the importance of sustainable agricultural production ("the original solar power") as part of the solution to our energy crisis and problems related to climate change.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Know Your Vegetables, Vol II - Fall Fertilizers and Compost
This Monday, October 20th, at 6:30 we'll be hosting our second installment of "Know Your Vegetables", a free conversation series focusing on topics related to small scale vegetable production.
We'll be discussing fall fertilizers; now is the time to make sure you boost energy levels in the soil to help with the breakdown of crop residue. Fall applications of rock minerals can allow for the biological activity of the soil to begin working to make these nutrients available to next year's crop. The other topic area on the agenda for Monday evening is compost.
Compost is often heralded for supplying humus to the soil, increasing organic matter that plays a critical role in soil health. It can also be a great way to introduce minerals and biological activity into the garden or cropland. We'll examine different composting methods and reasons to consider amending compost piles with additional nutrients, including biodynamic preps.
Interested in community gardens? Read an article printed in this week's Chronicle "A Green Revolution is Brewing at Local Farms, Urban Lots".
This Saturday, October 18th, join us at the Dartmouth YMCA's Fall Family Festival. We'll have farm activities throughout the afternoon, including: a sheep petting area, drop spindle demonstration, a field tour and nature hike, climbing wall, and farm games. The afternoon will begin with the judging of our 1st Annual Pie Contest ($5 to enter your pie, two categories - youth and adult, prizes include 1 week of tuition to Camp Metacomet in 2009 and a 3 month membership to YMCA Southcoast). I'll be presenting a talk at 2:30 PM titled "Growing Healthy Food" - vegetable gardening basics with a focus on fertility. Admission to the event is $10 per family. {The whole day is a fundraising effort for the Dartmouth YMCA Scholarship Fund}
I have been managing the Dartmouth YMCA's Sharing the Harvest farm project for the 2008 season. This year we harvested more than 15,000 lbs. of fresh produce on the community farm plot at the Y. We are currently seeking Farm Project Coordinator for the 2009 season.
And finally, at 4PM next Thursday October 23, I'll be presenting at a workshop in Fall River sponsored by Healthy City Fall River on soil analysis for gardeners at St. Luke's Church, 315 Warren Street in Fall River.
Hope you can join us at one of the workshops, conversations during the upcoming week...
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Green Jobs Now, 50 million new farmers needed
Last weekend I attended a Green Jobs Now Day of Action at the New Wave Cafe in New Bedford. The event was part of a larger nationwide event promoted by Green Jobs Now. Van Jones has recently published a book on the topic, "The Green Collar Economy". He'll be presenting at the upcoming Bioneers by the Bay Conference held the last weekend in October in New Bedford.
Recent economic turmoil makes me think about the importance of an economy based on tangible production of goods and investing in human capacity. Riane Eisler discusses much of this at length in her book "The Real Wealth of Nations" and Thomas Friedman has jumped on board with recent article promoting investments in the green economy and education. Perhaps valuing agriculture goods at parity, National Organization for Raw Materials (NORM) has some interesting points to consider, would be a good start for developing more opportunity for new farmers. Richard Heinberg has called for 50 million new farmers in a peak oil period.
Looking for information about farm apprenticeships for next growing season? Check out a list of links in word.doc file: Farming in 2009.
Recent economic turmoil makes me think about the importance of an economy based on tangible production of goods and investing in human capacity. Riane Eisler discusses much of this at length in her book "The Real Wealth of Nations" and Thomas Friedman has jumped on board with recent article promoting investments in the green economy and education. Perhaps valuing agriculture goods at parity, National Organization for Raw Materials (NORM) has some interesting points to consider, would be a good start for developing more opportunity for new farmers. Richard Heinberg has called for 50 million new farmers in a peak oil period.
Looking for information about farm apprenticeships for next growing season? Check out a list of links in word.doc file: Farming in 2009.
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