Soil & Seeds

Okay, I know that class is officially over, but I can't help sharing this article that just appeared in The Atlantic:
Healthy Soil Microbes, Healthy People. Though really informative about the serious problems we've created for ourselves by destroying soil microbial life, I'm profoundly uncomfortable that the solution it proposes is "soil drugs" manufactured by agri-chemical companies rather than good on-farm soil management.

Also, in one of our last classes, I promised to find the name of the Oregon CSA that works in collaboration with plant breeder Frank Morton to produce locally adapted, farmer-controlled plant varieties. It is Gathering Together Farm and the seed organization is Wild Garden Seed.

Here are a couple of videos of Frank talking about the relationship between humans and seeds and about the global commercial seed industry:

Frank Morton - The Value of Seeds

Seeds of Life: Consolidation in the Seed Industry

Enjoy!

Photo Slideshow | Hannah Daly Final Project Component

Hey all. So my cheese levels are at an all-time high and I got semi-emotional looking through my photos. I wanted to put together something visual as a part of my reflection, as well as something that could go on the blog. I hope this isn't too sappy, I just loved this Alice Walker quote and it felt too relevant not to use it.

See you all at brunch!

Harvest of Joy CSA Capstone 2013 Slideshow

Week 10 at Harvest of Joy Farm LLC

Weather forecast: Highs near 70, mostly sunny to partly cloudy.

Well, this is it folks, week ten, our final class meetings on the farm. On Monday we'll be joining some local junior high school students to tour a local farm which produces fresh organic herbs. Then we'll head back here to give the kids a farm tour and, if there's time, work on some weeding and mulching.

On Tuesday, I hope that the soil will be dry enough to resume planting. We'll be making a big push to get the rest of our tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants in the ground and mulched that afternoon.

Thanks to everyone who helped out with Saturday's party! A good time was had by all.