A Flashback and Blast Forward

What if you could grow plants without soil?
What if you could control pests without harmful chemicals?
Guess what... You can!

Our class had the privilege to listen to three speakers last week and ask them questions. 

On Monday, or should I call it "Wild Fermentation Day", the class geared up and worked together to make Sauerkraut and Korean Kimchi. While the process is much easier with a group of people, the techniques for fermenting weren't all that hard–I'm sure if you put your mind to it you could be Master Fermenter in no time! You can look forward to some follow up pictures that will be posted soon...

On Tuesday, Stan Barbarich, an UC Certified Master Gardener, taught us about Hydroponics. What is hydroponics? Ah, yes. It is growing plants in an aerated nutrient solution made of water and fertilizer. No soil needed! I was amazed not only at this idea (how do you come up with these things?!), but also at how you can save at least 90% of water compared to soil culture. Mr. Barbarich told us how his tomatoes are more flavorful using Hydroponics and to his benefit there was no heavy soil lifting! Even though much of the class was just hearing about this method for the first time, apparently this isn't new. Allegedly the Hanging Gardens of Babylon had plants grown in a steady stream of water, which underscores the main idea. Bottom line, Hydroponics could never replace soil growing, but it is a practice that is beyond Biointensive and saves a lot of water.

Hydroponics used for tomatoes

On Friday, Jake Blehm spoke to the class and shared a presentation about Biologically Sustainable Integrated Pest Management. As a third generation bug farmer, he had much knowledge about using natural solutions to pests as opposed to pesticides. He pointed out a shocking statistic: 2-5 percent of pesticides actually hit pests and are effective. That's all? Really?! And yet, world pesticide expenditures estimated that the U.S. spends $30 billion annually. Hm... It's important to educate current and future farmers that not all pests are bad. Mr. Blehm pointed out that don't necessarily have to eradicate the pests, just keep them below the economic injury level. Currently, our farm doesn't really suffer from pests. However, for snails we learned to use a Trap board and for aphids to get lacewing beneficials. Let's hope they work!

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"What's coming up next?" you may be asking yourself.

Well, THIS Saturday Jan. 24 you can help out on the farm from 10-12! Farm work days are a good way to meet new people, learn new practices, and get your hands dirty. This Saturday should be especially fun because some international students will be joining us!

Additionally, you can look forward to the Market Day that will be held next Friday Jan. 30 from 2:20-3:20 pm. We encourage you to purchase some fresh produce that was grown right in our school's back yard!

Until next time~

Rachael Maier