Hello and .......

Welcome....to my blog "Grow Food with JOY!"

My name is Joy Story and I'm an avid gardener who believes that food is so important, that we all need to be growing it.

In May of 2010 , I began my business GROW FOOD Edible Garden Designs. I offer Garden Consulting, Designing, Gardening Classes and this online monthly blog as well as sell Organic seeds that we collect in our demonstration garden.

Our Organic Gardening Classes are called "Grow Food with JOY!" How I use perma-culture in my Backyard." We discuss all aspects to consider when designing your edible garden. Perma-Culture uses Mother Nature as a model with an emphasis on caring for the earth and caring for people. So far, "Grow Food with JOY" has a series of 7 different classes with more being created all the time. Check out our Class Schedule on the website.

Website:
http://www.growfoodnetwork.com



Happy Gardening



Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Grow Food Network February Blog




Welcome To Grow Food Network's Blog

This month we feature Linda Gilkeson's talk on "Bugs in the Garden" held in Mill Bay this past month.

We've updated the Seedy Saturdays and BC Seed Companies. Mark your calendars, they are happening around the island this time of the year.

There are talks and rally's this month to help preserve ALR, a workshop for market gardeners and an evening and full day workshop with a food activist and farmer named Joel Salatin.  If you have never heard of Joel, be sure to watch the video link provided.  He's entertaining, funny and a driving force in the food change movement.

Grow Food is offering it's "Grow Your Own Food" gardening classes this month as well.

Joy Story
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What to Do in the Edible Garden

Seeds to Start Indoors

· Artichoke
· Asparagus
· Fennel
· Leeks (in pots or a flat)
· Onions (in pots or a flat)
· Parsley
· Celery
· Celeriac

Direct Seed into the Garden

· Broad Beans/Fava
· Peas
· Potatoes
· Parsnips

In the Greenhouse

· Pac Choi
· Radishes
· Lettuce - in pots until 2” high then move outside but off the ground, once established transplant into garden beds
· Onions in pots then move outdoors when 1” high, grow outside but off the ground until pencil size.

Grafting Time

February is the time of year to make grafts on your fruit trees.

Forcing

Rhubarb can be forced to produce early by placing a terra cotta pot over the crown.  Rhubarb is best divided in fall, but if you divide now, plant it with lots of aged manure and give it a year to develop it’s root system without harvesting.

Pruning Fruit Trees

February - March is the time to do your winter pruning for the basic framework or structure of the fruit tree.  If your tree is mature and you don’t want to create more branching, don’t make heading cuts at this time.  This is the time to prune back to a crotch (ie remove the entire branch or limb) to improve the structure of the tree.  Also remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches at this time.  Once the structure of the tree is established, summer prune to control vigorous growth and decrease “water sprouting”

Figs: Prune in March

Pruning Edible Shrubs

Blueberries:  Remove crossed branches, broken and weak branches.  Shape the bush to be narrower at the base with a wider top.  Thin out crowded branches to open center for better air circulation and light.

Gooseberries: Prune to keep an open center and remove canes low to the ground. 

Currents: produce most fruit on last years canes.  Cut out older stems that are darker with loose peeling bark.

Pruning Vines

Kiwis: When the vine is dormant, prune out older branches to keep as much 1 year old wood (what grew last year) as possible.  Remove crossing and crowded shoots to leave next year’s fruiting arms about 1 foot apart

Grapes: In Linda Gilkeson’s book, Backyard Bounty, she say’s “Prune hard.  Remove 90% of the vine during dormant pruning.  The common reason for a poor crop is that vines were not pruned enough.” Pruning your grapes correctly depends on how old they are and to and get maximum production,  refer to Linda's book mentioned above or go online.


Protect Our Farms


Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is under threat again.
Town Hall Meetings are happening around the island.
University of Victoria, Hickman Rm 105, 
Tuesday Feb 4 @ 7pm

Cowichan Valley, Duncan United Church, 246  Ingram St. , Wed Feb 5 @ 7 pm

For more info: http://farmlandprotection.ca/

Monday Feb 10th
Family Day Rally Forks to Pitch Forks
Save the Agricultural Land Reserve
12:00 noon
BC Legislature Grounds

Watch this inspiring 2 min. video on Food For The Future, and why we need to think about Farmers and Food. Locally made.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQkm848zbtM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Friday Feb 7, Sat Feb 8th
Agriculture Show, 8:30 am - 4pm, Cowichan Exhibition Park, Duncan, BC, Conferences for farmers, registration required, for more info. http://iashow.ca/?conference,88
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"Bugs in the Garden" with Linda Gilkeson 

Notes taken at a talk Linda gave at the Mill Bay Garden Club's
February meeting.  Notes taken by Joy Story.West Coast Gardening - Natural Insect Weed and Disease Control

When dealing with Bugs in the Garden here are some suggestions:
  • Choose insect resistant plants when possible.
  • Don't bring home problems.  Look over the plants carefully for insect eggs on the leaves and remove the pot to look at the roots
  • Don't Panic.
  • Before you begin any procedure, identify the problem correctly.  Most problems with plants is not insect damage. Often an injury doesn't show up until much later.
  • People usually spray an aphid colony at the exact time when the predator has moved in.
  • Most of what you see during the day is probably not a pest.
  • Lady bug's larvae, which eat aphids are killed by insecticidal soap.
  • Homemade sprays kill beneficial insects
  • Ground beetles eat slug eggs.
  • Most bugs are controlled by their natural enemies.
  • Most adult insects are vegetarians.  When you bring in the mothers she lays her eggs which hatch out and eat insects.
  • Keep an eye on the problem
  • Get a good readers magnifying glass from the drug store, look closely and regularly
  • Make a record, check every 3 - 5 days, or once a week.
  • Many problems occur once a year, so mark your calenders when that problem is due to arise.  For instance, once a year around the 3rd or 4th week of April,  currant worm/sawfly arrives (looks like a caterpillar) and lays eggs on the bottom leaves of the current and gooseberry bushes.  If you remove those leaves, you can eliminate the problem. 
  • Lots of times, you don't have to do anything.  Ask yourself  "Is it necessary?"
  • Plant Sweet Alyssum to attract beneficial insects.  It flowers all summer long.
  • To avoid aphids on brussel sprouts, seed later, such as the end of May.
  • Drought stress causes aphid explosions.
  • Physical barriers stops insects from laying eggs on plants and on the fruit.
  • Bag your fruit. Commercial apple growers are now bagging the fruit with better results.
  • Make your own bags with draw strings or purchase organza gift bags and reuse each season.
  • The leaves need sunlight, but the fruit does not.  Red apples will change colour if you remove the bag 2 weeks before harvesting.
To Order Linda's book or find out where she will be this year to purchase it visit: 


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FEBRUARY

EVENTS/COURSES/WORKSHOPS

GROW FOOD with JOY



Grow Your Own Food
Organic Gardening Classes


Thursdays Feb 13, 20, 27
6:30 - 8:30 pm  $20.00 each
Mill Bay, BC

Schedule:
Feb 13, Building Healthy Soil
Feb 20, Planting Seeds
Feb 27, Vegetables A - Z

To read about each class or to register:

  

_________________________________________________


Wed Feb 5 
Organic Master Gardener Course Intro Session
6 – 7 pm, Cowichan Green Community
Intro evening for the Organic Gardening Course

Saturday Feb 22 - March 1
Backyard Orchard with Ryan Senechal
9 - 12, Pacific Horticultural Centre, Victoria, BC, 

Thur Feb 20, 7;30 – 8:30 pm
Fruits & Berries in the Garden
Ladysmith Community Gardens Society

Sat. Feb 22, 9:30 - 1:30

Fruit Tree Care Workshop  

Production in the orchard with Todd Gesshe
Cowichan Green Community, Duncan, BC



Sat Feb 22,  9 - 3

Growing & Pruning Fruit Trees with Bernie Dinter

VIU Cowichan Campus, Duncan BC $70.00

To register: 250-746-3519


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Lush Valley Upcoming February Workshops, Courtenay BC

Tuesdays Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
Canning Workshops

Web Feb 5th  
Wild Raw Workshop  11 - 1 pm

Thurs Feb 13th
Livin Lovin Food 7 - 9 pm
 Wed 26 - Thurs 27
Good Agriculture & Collection 8;30 - 4:30
For more info about Lush Valley
__________________________________________________________________________

Northwest Flower & Garden Show in Seattle, Washington

February 5 - 9th
Second Largest Garden Show in the Country
Display Gardens, and Workshops

Watch this short video & for more info:



NEW BUSINESS helping gardeners_________________

 

 

What's Happening in Bill Herring's Garden:

Bill Herring in his veggie garden
In February Bill likes to plant the 3 P's:   Peas, Potatoes and Parsnips.  The soil needs to be workable but not wet.

Peas are planted in pots, 3 to a pot and grown in the greenhouse until 2 - 3" high.  They are hardened off by putting outside daily and back in the greenhouse at night.  They they are planted into the soil by the end of February.

Potatoes are planted this time of year for an extra early crop.  The potatoes will grow best if they are "chitted" first.  This process allows the eyes to get fat before being planted.  Bill usually has his first crop of new potatoes by the third week of May.

Bill says "Parsnip seeds likes a frost to get started."  Parsnips are planted early to provide lots of time for the seed to develop a good root system that will go deep down into the earth to gather water.  In fact, with the changing weather patterns and the less rainfall we are having,  Bill recommends that you get your plants started early to encourage their root systems to go deep.


What's Happening in Grow Food's Garden:

Besides following Bill's gardening plan of planting peas and "chitting" potatoes, I am working at eliminating the grass between the garden beds by covering them with cardboard and newspaper.  The Buttercup and grasses are continuously creeping into the garden beds creating more work than I want to do.  
Using newspaper works great to kill the Buttercup and grasses, but it has it's drawbacks.  In the past, I have found it creates an insect explosion for a season.  Eventually,  when the grasses die off, and the pathways are mulched, everything will balance out.

Another gardening task I work on this time of the year is gathering mulch and seaweed.  I cover the garden beds with coffee grinds and seaweed to feed the micro-organisms when they are hungry in the spring.  My philosophy is to "Do a little - all the time."  That way I don't overwork my body and I'm in the garden more often.

Next I will draw up my garden plan of what to plant based on what I grew last year and the year before.  I was never a person who "Planned a Garden" but now that I've practiced it for the last three years, I love it.  Once the plan is made, I don't have to think about it again.  It's much easier to take the time before you have planted.  If you have never done it, or resist it, I urge you to try it.  You will be glad you did.  

GROW FOOD Gardening Journal
 
Lastly, I have developed a gardening journal for the upcoming planting season. 

This journal will help food growers stay on track in the garden.  It includes what to plant each month and tips on building up soil and places for you to fill in what you planted and the results at harvest time. Look for it at the upcoming seedy Saturdays where I will be selling it.






COMING IN MARCH:

_________________



Sun. March 2, 9:30 – 3:30

Basket Making Workshop

Cowichan Green Community, $75.00

Register by Feb 21 with Maria Curtis 250-748-7468

mariacurtis@shaw.ca


Mon. March 3 – April 14
Gardening & Landscape Design

VIU Cowichan Campus, Duncan BC $165.00, 6:30 – 9 pm

To register: 250-746-3519


Thursday March 6, 201
Farmer 2 Farmer Conference, 
A one day conference for farmers to connect, learn and share about farming $30.00 @ Saanich Fairground. 9 am - 4:30 pm.  For more info: http://farmer2farmer.ca/ or
call 250-818-5807

______________________________________________

Sunday March 16,

ROCKSTAR FARMER TOURJMF_richmond_rockstar.indd

Sunday March 16
 Jean Martin, The Market Gardener
"6 Figure Farming for Small Plots"
Fernwood Community Centre
Victoria, BC
$75.00 day 10 - 5 pm
For more info: 


“If you’re serious about farming, I urge you to attend Jean-Martin Fortier’s workshops while he’s in BC. I have toured farms all over the west coast of North America, and I have yet to see anyone compare in production methods, soil management, crop health, product quality, and most importantly a balanced lifestyle. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet one of the most cutting edge organic farmers of our time!”
                                                           -  Curtis Stone, BC’s own small-scale farmer extraordinaire.

 ____________________________________________________________________________

 

Mon. & Wed.  March 17 – April 7, 7 - 9 pm
Beekeeping in the Warmland,
VIU Cowichan Campus, Duncan BC, $119.00
To register: 250-746-3519

 ____________________________________________________

 Joel Salatin is coming to Victoria, BC

Folks, This Ain't NormalEvening Talk
Can We Feed The World
March 22, 2014
7 - 10 pm
$22.50
Full Day Workshop
March 23, 2014
Local Food To The Rescue
$175.

For more info on either:

Joel Salatin was featured in the movie Food Inc. and the book: The Omnivore's Dilemma
Meet Joel with this utube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIbXU5iR2P4

______________________________________________________________________




Updated Seedy Saturday Schedule 2014(by date)

Vancouver Island & Pacific Northwest, BC


Salt Spring Island, BC
Saturday February 8, 2014          10-3
Farmer's Institute, 351 Rainbow Rd
'Sharing the Gifts of Life'
Salt Spring Island's 19th Annual Seedy Saturday
Friday, February 7th - 7pm
Film night - TBA
Saturday, February 8th - 10 am to 3 pm
Workshops on pruning, soil health, seed saving, GE Free BC, and Salt Spring's new Seed Library. A Kids Treasure Hunt, all your favourite local seed growers and vendors, community organisations and yummy food for lunch and snacks.
Sunday, February 9th - 10 am to 4 pm
Integrating Seed Production Into Market Gardens with Daniel Brisebois and Rupert Adams
advance registration requested
Contact: Erin Harper:250-653-4031 or ssiseedysaturday@gmail.com

Victoria, BC
Saturday February 15, 2014          10-4
Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas St
Hosted by the James Bay Market Society, Admission $7, under 16 years are free.
Contact: patmcgu@telus.net
Many local/BC seed vendors, others with food/garden products, publishers,
Master Gardeners, kids' activities, seed exchange.
New this year: used gardening book swap and
school Scarecrow contest. www.jamesbaymarket.com

Sooke, BC
Saturday February 22, 2014          10-3
Sooke Community Hall
This is a fun and educational event for the whole family, and an excellent way to get prepared and inspired for the coming growing season. Whether you grow tomatoes on your deck, have a small farm, or just want to learn, this is the event for you! The day will feature a seed exchange and trading table; a range of seed and plant vendors; local food artisans; and diverse educational displays.
Entrance is by donation with proceeds funding this and future seedy events. This event is sponsored by the Sooke Region Food CHI Society.
Contact: http://sookefoodchi.ca

Courtenay, BC
Saturday March 1, 2014          10-3
Filberg Centre
Visit vendors and exhibitors of organic non-GE seeds & plants; local community food security groups, educators and learners; the Seedy Cafe and several local and Island experts on growing and saving seeds. Admission $5. All funds raised allow CVGSS to support education and projects to promote local seed saving and growing.
Contact: http://www.cvgss.org

Victoria, BC
Saturday March 1, 2014          10-2
Haliburton Farm, Victoria, BC
Speaker at noon: Dr E Vibert: Story of an African Women’s Farm
Community Seed Swap table
Certified Organic seed vendors, plant sales
 http://www.haliburtonfarm.org
Contact: Elmarie info@haliburtonfarm.org

Nanaimo, BC
Sunday March 2, 2014          10-3
Bowen Park Auditorium
50 plus local vendors, Seed Exchange table,
3 guest speakers, Master gardeners,
Children's activities, raffles and Seedy Cafe
$3.00 admission
Contact: Glenda Stroomer 250-618-6323

Cobble Hill, BC
Saturday March 8      10 - 3
Cobble Hill Hall, 3550 Watson Ave, Cobble Hill, BC
Carolyne Webb 250-743-7305
cobblehillseedysaturday@gmail.com
 
Port Alberni, BC
Saturday March 29, 2014          10-2
Collins Farm, Arrowvale Campground,5955 Hector Rd
Seed and plant vendors, seed savers exchange, guest speakers. Light lunch and refreshments available. More details to follow.
Contact: Ann at (250) 723-7948

Duncan, BC
Sunday March 30, 2014 - 10am-2pm
Cowichan Green Community 250-748-8506
Si’em Lelum Gymnasium (5574 River Road, Duncan, BC) from
http://www.cowichangreencommunity.org/events

For a updated version or a complete listing across Canada go to
http://www.seeds.ca/ev/events.php



Updated British Columbia Seed Companies

Edible Earth Seeds
Open pollinated, heirloom and rare seeds
Cowichan Valley, BC
250-701-0774
http://edibleearthseeds.com/

Nature's Garden Seed Company
PO Box 30145, 405-3989 Quadra Street
Victoria BC V8X 5E1
Tel: 250-597-0715 /1-877-302-7333
Fax: 250-597-0769
http://www.naturesgardenseed.com/

Brothernature Organic Seeds
1159 Wychbury Ave,Victoria, BC, V9A 5L1.
250 298 6317
www.brothernature.com

Eagleridge Seeds
219 Eagle Ridge Drive
Salt Spring Island , BC V8K 2L1
250-537-5677
www.eagleridgeseeds.com

West Coast Seeds
3925 - 64th Street, RR1
Delta, BC  V4K 3N2
1-888-804-8820
www.westcoastseeds.com

Full Circle Seeds
P.O. Box 807
Sooke, BC, V9Z 1H8
250-642-3671
www.fullcircleseeds.com

Salt Spring Seeds
Box 444, Ganges P.O.
Salt Spring, BC V8K 2W1
250-537-5269 (no orders over the phone)
www.saltspringseeds.com

Stellar Seeds
RR1, S4, C7
Kaslo, BC V0G 1M0
250-366-0061
www.stellarseeds.com

Boundry Garlic Farm
Box 273
Midway, BC V0H 1M0
250-449-2152
www.garlicfarm.ca

Seeds of Victoria
395 Conway Rd.
Victoria, BC V9E 2B9
250-881-1555
www.earthfuture.com/gardenpath

Ravenhill  Seeds
Culinary & Medicinal Seeds
Saanich, BC
250-652-2655
http://ravenhillfarm.ca/products/seeds/

If you know of any other seed companies to include, please email me at growfood@shaw.ca


Posted by growfood at 1:02 PM

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