March is a Seedy Month

Planting Season is here!

Check the planting list to see what seeds you can start this month.

It's Seedy Saturday time too.  Every week-end  a town or community is hosting this event to bring together seed growers with seed planters.

Be sure to buy some of your seeds from our local Seed companies so they will continue to practice this challenging craft.

Inside this month's Blog we have tips from Robin Sturley of Edible Earth Seeds in Glenora, BC about starting seeds.  Some really good advice.  Take notice of her seed starting soil recipe. 

Grow Food is offering our NEW Gardening Journal designed to help gardeners stay on track during the growing season producing even more food.  Organic Gardening  Classes are also happening for 3 Thursday evenings this month, March 13, 20, 27 in Mill Bay.

Our Eco-Village has submitted an article about CSA - Community Supported Article.  A great way for farmers to connect with eaters.  If you can't grow enough of your own food, this is a great program to support.  Everyone wins.

If you haven't heard already, expect higher food prices at the grocery store soon.  California is in a drought.  The worst in years.  Farmers are not even planting their seed because there's no moisture in the soil.  It's another really good reason to grow your own food.

Stanko Farms in Duncan is offering Bunny Berries or rabbit manure for sale.

Be sure to check out all the Events and Courses happening around the island this month, and please forward us your gardening events or request.  Thanks

inJOYin the Garden



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$15.00 and $20.00 Laminated

NOW AVAILABLE.......Grow Food Gardening Journals!

"Designed by a Gardener - For Gardeners"

If you are one of those people who wonders when you planted something last year or what even happened last year, this journal is for you.  This book will help you stay on track in the veggie garden.

It's designed to be brought out to the garden where you can add all your planting notes & details.  Along with places to keep track of what you did in the garden are hundreds of ideas of what you can do and tips of how to get great results.

Check one out this week-end at Cobble Hill Seedy Saturday or at Duncan's Seedy Saturday on March 30.
You can order one online at www.growfoodnetwork.com  
$20.00 for garden friendly laminated books or $15.00 for cerlox bound books.

Enter To Win..... One Week Only
(March 10 - 16)

 Enter Here: http://www.tastecowichan.ca/home

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What to do in the Garden in March

 

Seeds to Start Indoors

• Asparagus seeds
• Broccoli (summer)
• Cabbage (summer)
• Celery/Celeriac
• Florence Fennel
• Leeks
• Lettuce
• Onions
• Parsley
• Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Egg Plant
  

  Direct Seed (into the garden)
• Arugula
• Broad Beans/Fava
• Corn Salad
• Garlic (Silverskin)
• Kale
• Collards
• Pac Choi
• Parsnip
• Peas
• Radishes
• Carrots (end of the month)
• Endive
• Onion Sets
• Potato
• Lettuce

Greenhouse

• Spinach (at Grow Food Gardens we have found starting spinach in the summer and planting out into the garden in the fall is better way to guarantee a good crop.  Spinach needs lots of time to establish root and often by the time it has done this in the spring, the warm weather will make it bolt.  Try planting some now and then again in June and see for yourself.

Tasks in the Garden

• Pull back mulch from beds and allow soil to warm
• Purchase soil amendments
• Harvest winter veggies and store in the fridge
• Scatter wood ash on soil, but not for acid lovers like blueberries, strawberries or potatoes
• Plant fruit trees, grapes, blueberries, raspberries, figs
• Harvest Stinging nettles, eat some, drink some tea and dry some for summer fertilizer.
• Prune roses

Pruning Fruit Trees

( from Clay Whitney)
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"

Pruning Figs

• Figs fruit on last years wood, so when pruning for structure, only cut out 1/2 the wood at the base, to control size.
•  For single stem, cut it back to a bud at 15” to stimulate branching
• When renovating a neglected fig, hard pruning can stimulate dormant buds to produce new growth. If a lot of the wood needs to be removed, spread operation over 3 years

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Time to Plant Some Food

Water Crisis in California is driving up food prices

The California drought is hitting many people hard and its impact will be felt from farm to fork.

The impact of the state's water crisis will show up soon at your local supermarket. Experts said the lack of water means your grocery bill is going to go up ... a lot. For every $100 you spend, expect to pay an extra $10 to $15 at checkout.

Many farmers are not even planting seeds because there is no moisture in the ground to germinate the seed. 

Now is the time to grow your own food!

Source: http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/california-s-drought-expected-to-impact-food-prices-in-canada-1.1671716

Here’s an interesting read:  15 Reasons Why Your Food Prices Are About to Start Soaring http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-02-17/15-reasons-why-your-food-prices-are-about-start-soaring

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Tips for Starting Seeds with Robin Sturley
 Edible Earth Seeds

Robin Sturley

  

• The main advantage to starting your own seeds is the economical saving you will gain by growing your own plants from seed. 
•  Another advantage is the ability to grow specialty plants and not just what’s available in the stores
• When you grow your own seeds, you know how the seed has been grown and you can have more control over the quality of the seed and the resources used. 
•  Growing seeds then saving seeds is a “Seed to Seed Cycle” that keeps genetic diversity available for generations to come. 
• Most seeds have their ideal requirements for germination.  In general though, seeds need to be consistently warm and moist with no chilling periods in between.  Seeds that are kept too moist can rot, but seeds that are allowed to dry out will result in poor germination
• Planting depth is twice the size of the seed.
  
• Some seeds can be pre-germinated if the soil is cool, this works well for squash.
• At Edible Earth Seeds, Robin starts them in a small outdoor greenhouse using bottom heat provided by gutter tape stapled to wooden benches.  Plastic cloches are used to keep the heat in at night and lifted for air ventilation when the temperature rises during the day.
• Soil blocks are used instead of plastic pots.  Soil blocks require a special tool but are well worth their money because they can be used over and over, eliminating plastic pots
• Using soil blocks means your plants never get root bound.  They prune themselves when they reach the edge of the block .  This is called “air-pruning.”
• The secret to success with growing seeds is the soil you use to start them in and transplant into .  (see Robin’s soil recipe below.)
  
• When watering soil blocks, use a nursery type watering can.  The holes are smaller broadcasting a spray of water that does not break the soil blocks apart
• Collect water in a rain barrel to regulate water temperate.  Seedlings prefer room temperature water.  Water in the morning or early afternoon.
•  Thinning seedlings is essential.  Give each plant room to grow.  Cut off the seedlings off with scissors rather than pulling them out disturbing the other roots.
•  You want dark green stocky plants
•  Plants perform best when they are allowed to grow at a continuous rate verses growth spurts.
• Harden off the plants before transplanting into the garden.  This means introducing them to direct sunlight slowly over time.  This can be done by moving them to a protected outdoor area for 2 – 3 days before planting into the garden.
• Before transplanting into the garden, feed the seedlings with kelp tea.  This provides micro-nutrients and has a growth hormone that will help relieve transplant shock.
• When planting, place all the plants out, then dig all the holes at the same time.  Add organic granular fertilizer, then fill with water, plant seedlings and water again around the base of the plant.

To learn more about Robin's Seed company, Edible Earth Seeds  http://edibleearthseeds.com/

To see a video of Robin's Seed starting greenhouse:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml2l_Jqk0i0

Robin’s Secret Seeding Soil Mix

Soil Block mix recipe - bucket = 2.5 gallon bucket

• 3 buckets peat moss (or half peat moss and half coco peat)
• 1/2 cup marking lime (98% calcium carbonate)

MIX

• 2 buckets coarse perlite (or 1 bucket perlite and 1 bucket vermiculite)
• 4 cups base fertilizer

MIX

• 3 buckets compost (or 1 bucket each of compost, garden soil and worm castings)

Trays and pots mix recipe

• 3 buckets peat moss (or half peat moss and half coco peat)
• 1/2 cup marking lime (98% calcium carbonate)

MIX

• 1 ½ buckets coarse perlite (or 1/2 perlite and 1/2 vermiculite)
• 4 cups base fertilizer

MIX

• 1 ½ buckets compost (or garden soil and/or worm castings)

Fertilizer mix recipe

2 parts bonemeal

2 parts kelp

2 parts glacial rock dust

1 part soft rock phosphate

1 part fishmeal

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FOR SALE:

Bunny Berries (Rabbit Manure)

Rabbit breeder selling 1 gallon and 2 gallon size bags of straight rabbit manure pellets.

May contain a little bedding.  Also have Rabbits for breeding

Stanko Farm , Duncan , BC, 250-709-1721250-709-1721 stankofarm@shaw.ca

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January harvest at Grow Food Gardens

Events & Courses:

GROW FOOD with JOY Organic Gardening Course

Thursdays March 13, 20, 27

6:30 - 8:30 pm, Mill Bay, BC on Grow Food Garden site

3-Part course covering "Healthy Soil - Healthy People", "Planting Techniques", 

" Growing Veggies A - Z"  $20.00 class

to register: growfoodnetwork.com

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March - September    
Growing Food Victoria, Haliburton Community Organic Farm Society & Gaia College, are offering a hands-on essential Permaculture & Organic gardening techniques after hours course .  For more information, go https://www.gaiacollege.ca/1/333-gfvic1403a.html

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Sunday March 9, 2014

EZ RAW POTLUCKS are open to anyone interested in the raw living
food lifestyle and are held on the second Sunday each month.
You are invited to join us and find out just how much fun veggies can be!

DATE:                Sunday, March 9, 2014
TIME:                 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (door opens at 3:30 pm)
PRESENTATION:     Mikel Vossen of Island Wheat Grass & Sprouts
COST:                Small $2 donation to cover expenses
RSVP:                 ezrawliving@gmail.com  or 250-338-3330
RECIPES:                 http://ezrawliving.blogspot.com

PLEASE BRING:       a raw vegan dish to serve 8 adults; no animal products, no canned goods, no cooked foods please; an ingredient list for your dish; your own serving utensils

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Sunday March 16,

ROCKSTAR FARMER TOUR

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: 

https://www.facebook.com/FernwoodCommunityCentre

“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.

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Mon. & Wed.  March 17 – April 7, 7 - 9 pm

Beekeeping in the Warmland,

VIU Cowichan Campus, Duncan BC, $119.00

To register: 250-746-3519250-746-3519

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Monday March 17, 6 pm

Free Film Showing Salmon Confidential  Shawna Green, leader of Wild Salmon Warriors on the island, will introduce the film and lead a discussion afterward: Salmon Confidential: Documentary Night at the  Library, 2587 James Street, Duncan BC

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Saturday March 22, 2014

The Koksilah Farmers Institute is offering a one day workshop with Linda Gilkeson presenting "Backyard Bounty: Organic Harvest All year Round from 9:30am-4:00pm at The Hub in Cowichan Station on Koksilah Rd., $25/person.  Bring your own lunch.  To pre-register contact:    Angela Auchincloss 250-743-8874250-743-8874 a.auchincloss@shaw.ca

(250)743-8874

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Saturday March 22, 2014 -  2 - 3:30 pm

Vancouver Island Regional Library is hosting Paul Peterson, president of the Cowichan Beekeepers Club, from 2-3:30pm: Urban Beekeeping, 2687 James St. Duncan, BC

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Saturday March 22 - 23

Young Agrarians Vancouver Island Spring Mixer

Seven Springs Resort, Nanoose Bay, BC

Contact:    

 westcoast@youngagrarians.org

 

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 Joel Salatin is coming to Victoria, BC

Evening 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:

http://pacificrimcollege.ca/lectures_and_events.html

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

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 Lush Valley Food Action Society, Courtenay, BC

Sunday March 23, 10 - 2 pm, Lake Trail School, Courtenay, BC, Festival of Food Films
Food Theme Films, Community Garden Tours, Guest Speakers, Workshops, Learn about sustainable food production, GMO Concerns & more.  Admission by Donation, BC. For more info www.lushvaley.org

Mondays March 17 & 24, 5 - 7pm, Community Created Agriculture, for more info:
www.communitycreatedagriculture.org. 
 Saturdays, Farmers Markets, for more info: www.lushvalley.org
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Seedy Saturday Listing 

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

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OUR CSA: What’s In an Acronym

Community Supported Agriculture programs, often known as CSAs, are becoming increasingly popular for farmers and their customers, but many who haven’t been exposed to them before aren’t quite sure what they entail.

While there are as many options as there are CSAs, the general principle of all of these ‘box’ programs is the same. During the early spring months, members of the community sign up for the program, essentially making a commitment to purchase a certain amount of product from a farm in the upcoming year. The commitment they make is a financial one as well: shares are pre-purchased at the time of sign up, even though products don’t start arriving for up to five or six months.

Why the delay? For farmers, some of our highest costs come early in the spring. This is when we are building needed infrastructure, purchasing seeds, putting in amendments, buying or breeding livestock, and generally preparing for the year ahead. Unfortunately, it’s also when income opportunities are lowest, as there is generally very little available to sell at the time. By buying in to a CSA, customers provide invaluable capital for farmers to start the season. They are re-paid during the months we as farmers have the most product available, and when our costs also happen to be lower. If a CSA is a large percentage of a farm’s sales, then knowing how many shares have been sold before it is time to plant, order, and plan is also extremely important and helps us to provide our customers with the best-possible products over the course of the season.

On the other hand, customers go into the summer knowing they will receive local, in-season produce all season, and that they will have the opportunity to get to know their farmers and food producers well. It’s a great chance to learn what is in season at any given time, and to learn some new flavours and recipes. CSAs tend to provide the classics—carrots and potatoes—and the unusual—lovage and edible flowers—which lends itself to a varied experience from week to week.
The average CSA tends to provide a box of vegetables each week. Sometimes these come with a recipe, and sometimes you have the chance to add something like a dozen eggs. Some larger farms, such as Essex Farm in New York State, are able to provide fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, grains, maple syrup, and more to over 200 members, while other offer far more limited offerings designed to supplement your weekly trip to the store.

At OUR Ecovillage, we fall somewhere in between, and are also passionate about making our Goody Boxes a fantastic—and unique—experience for our customers.

We are excited to be offering two options for 2014, OUR Lifestyle Box and OUR Veggie-only Box.
The Lifestyle Box offers members six veggie items, a fruit item, a dozen eggs or a package of sausages on alternating weeks, a specialty item (this might include a cook book, herb scissors, goat’s milk soap, and more), and a recipe each week ($37 week; $740 season).

Alternatively, the Veggie-only Box offers six veggie items, a fruit item, and a recipe each week. ($24/week; $480/season)
This year we are also offering a special offer to NEW Sustainers. Sign up to be a $20/month Sustainer at OUR Ecovillage and receive 4 BONUS specialty items throughout the course of the year, regardless of box choice.
To find out more or sign up, email marketing@ourecovillage.org. 


Grow Food publishes this blog in the first week of each month.  If you would like to send us an article, notice or photo about Growing Food, please do.  We ask that the articles be approximately 250 words or less and include a photo. 

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