Urban Farm School

Autumn is just around the corner friends and now is the time to get your October and November vegetables into the ground. Start looking for broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower starts. Get your lettuce, greens, and spinach seeds ready to go. Plan space in the garden for kale, garlic, and a cold-frame if you are looking to extend the season into the winter hours.
As you begin to remove spent and finished items out of the garden keep in mind that the soil benefits from a mulch of some kind. If you will not replant the space be sure to mulch the soil with three inches of leaves, compost, or another mulch of your choice.
If replanting the area remember to dedicate space that is easy to get to and convenient for maintaining and harvesting. As the autumn season begins our gardening urge tends to wane and the crops that are left for the late autumn days tend to suffer. Plan ahead for ease of maintenance, usefulness, and liklihood that you will use the crop promptly so that it will not rot in the garden and create pest and disease issues the following season.

Vancouver Food Cooperative
There is a long and tumultuous history with the VFC and after many years, a change of board members, and the implementation of several business men as a “store implementation” committee, the VFC has announced September 1 as the opening date of the storefront located at 215 W. 4th Street, Vancouver. The beginnings will be an on-line catalog as well as produce provided by several local vendors available on-line as well as in the storefront on pick up days. Open to Members as well as the general public it is a breath of fresh air to see the VFC taking steps forward as well as providing a storefront in the downtown Vancouver area where groceries are had at convenience stores or are a bus ride away. The website is in flux through August but check out the goings on at www.vancouverfood.org.

Portland has had a chicken coop tour for several years now and thanks to Hough Neighborhood, Vancouver finally has one of their own.

The Coop Du Jour will take place Saturday, July 17, Noon to 4pm in the Carter Park, Arnada, Hough, and Shumway Neighborhoods.

This is your chance to talk to chicken owners about their coop preferences, the realities of urban chickens, see different coop designs and best of all hang out with like-minded people. These are everyday people that have volunteered to open their yards and coops to the public. This is a great event and all proceeds benefit the Hough Foundation. $10 a ticket for a family or group of four is a steal! Tickets are available at:

Mint Tea, 2014 Main Street, Vancouver
Arnada Naturals, 1705 Broadway

For more information check out the Coop Du Jour website at: www.coopdujour.com

We’ll see you out there!

We have admittedly had a dismal spring and early summer with above average precipitation and below average temperatures. It has definitely been difficult to get those summer seeds and starts into the garden and once in, to thrive. If you haven’t already done so now is the time to get any starts and seeds in the ground for tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, winter and summer squashes, and the like if you hope to see a yield before the frosts set in this fall.

Yes, it has been a difficult year, and yes, our planting window has been shortened to the extreme but get out there and get planting! We are lucky in the Pacific Northwest to revel in relatively moderate and growable autumn weather so take advantage of it.

It is also time to transition into your summer lettuces, Bibb and Romaines as well as lettuces marked as “bolt-resistant” and “heat tolerant” do nicely during the summer months. Be sure to plant them behind natural shade such as behind tomatoes, corn, or vegetables that are growing on a trellis.

As much as we’d like to think we can control all the aspects of our gardens – heirloom varieties, organic seeds, natural pest control, cold frames, etc, we can not control the weather. It has been a long, cold spring and the garden is reflecting its struggle in the lack of output. Although frustration is high on many garden fronts this year, don’t fret. The garden always seems to rebound when we least expect it.

Keep at it!

Take the time now while the harvest is lean to prepare for the busy season. Erradicate weeds and pests by spending 5 minutes a day in the garden. Get your canning kitchen together by sorting chipped jars, bent/rusted rings out of the mix. Dedicate a shelf or a rolling cart to all the supplies you will need for preservation – undate your pectin supply, vinegars, dried herbs and chile peppers, lemon juice, and recipes. Purchase new canning lids, marking pens, and check your freezer container supply. Clean out the freezer and resort your canning pantry to evaluate what you will need to can more of this year. Check for any jars that have spoiled and dispose of them properly. Thoroughly clean all shelving, your canners, jars, rings, and canning utensils.

The garden will catch up and being prepared for it when it does will enable you to better preserve your bounty. Share your time and harvest with friends by planning a jam, pie filling, or pickling party! One of the greatest things about gardens is their ability to bring gardeners together around a table of delicious food.

The latest Dirty Dozen List has been released and there are some new surprises on it this time ’round, in that there are two items that haven’t been on the list before. The Dirty List are those foods sold commercially that after processing, washing and preparing at home still have large amounts of trace pesticides within the skin and flesh. These are the fruits and vegetables that you want to purchase organic or substiture for something else. As we enter the seasons of bounty in our region keep in mind the dirty list. Below are the the top 12 from most pesticide residue to least of the worst:

#1 Celery
#2 Peaches
#3 Strawberries (especially foreign)
#4 Apples
#5 Blueberries (NEW to the list)
#6 Nectarines
#7 Bell Peppers
#8 Spinach (NEW on the list)
#9 Kale
#10 Cherries
#11 Potatoes
#12 Grapes (especially foreign)

Notice that most of the items listed are things that can be grown in your own backyard or those that are available regionally. When planning your annual trip to the berry patch or your weekly jaunt to the farmstand or farmer’s market keep the dirty list in mind and ask questions. One of the most valuable pieces of local farmers is the ability to have a converstation with them and letting them know what you want.

The 15 rated lowest in pesticide residue (although not petroleum-based fertilizers) in order of least pesticide residue are:
onions, avacado, sweet corn, pineapple, mango, asparagus, sweet peas, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, papaya, watermelon, broccoli, tomato, and sweet potato.

This is the time of year that all the local plant sales appear. Listed below are a few of the area plant sales in the coming weeks. Keep your eyes out for plant sales in your area, neighbors, garden clubs, elementary schools, and churches often hold plant sales through May.

Columbia River High School Plant Sale
Herbs, Veg, Annuals, Perennials, and more
May 7, 9am to 4pm and May 8, 10am to 3pm

Ridgefield Highschool Plant Sale
Annuals, Perennials, Baskets, and more
May 7, 9am to 5pm and May 8, 9am to 3pm

Camas Mother’s Day Sale
Plant, Garden, and Informational Vendors
May 8, 9am to 4pm, Downtown Camas

Master Gardener’s Plant Sale
Perennials, Trees, Shrubs, Annuals, Veg
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR BEFORE YOU GO
May 8, 9am to 4pm and May 9, 10am to 3pm
1919 NE 78th Street, Vancouver (the old poor farm)

It’s been 40 years since the first earth day and there are events aplenty to celebrate the hallmark. Marshall Community Center is hosting their annual Earth Day Celebration Saturday, April 17, 10am to 2pm and the theme this year is Urban Farming! This is a family-friendly event and will feature four themed areas for the public – planting, tending, harvesting, and preserving with activities, informational and vendor booths in each area. Plants, local food, community garden organizations, small animal husbandry, free lunch, and an afternoon of information at your fingertips.

We are in transition in the garden right now. it’s the annual battle of patience between last years crops finishing, the variable weather, and the planting itch. those glorious 60 degree days lull us into a sense of hope and planting bravado and then the reality that it is still WINTER sets in with low snow levels and wind.

If you have already planted seed and/or transplants make sure you’re protecting them from wind and cold evening temperatures. a simple cloche made from a milk jug or even a nursery pot turned over on cold nights will work. cover your seedlings with floating row covers, a burlap sack, or a sheet – something to protect it from those frigid nights. don’t be disheartened by slow germination, give those seeds some time to adjust and keep an eye out for slugs and snails who are ready for the delicate leaves of lettuce, spinach, and mustard greens.

looking for a little more guidance in the garden? try our FarmHand Checklist E-mail subscription. It is a weekly “checklist” of things that can be done that week in the Pacific Northwest garden. the annual subscription rate of $35 gets you a checklist the beginning of each week, through October 31 that includes what can be done in the garden, a weekly tip, and a weekly event or place to visit. Subscription is activated upon receipt of payment mailed to: Urban Farm School, PO Box 393, Ridgefield, WA 98642. Please, include “farmhand checklist” in the note section and include your E-mail address.

Need some hands on help along with your checklist? Try our Your FarmHand service. We work in the garden with you once a month on any vegetable gardening project for an hour. We can help you plan, plant, maximize your space, create and construct pest deterrants and all sorts of other fun things. Learn in your own space, at your own pace, on your own projects with Your FarmHand! E-mail urbanfarmschool@gmail.com for scheduling and pricing.

The forsythia is blooming, bulbs have poked their heads through the soil, and the chives are reaching for the sky.  Although it looks as though spring has sprung remember one simple thing:  it is FEBRUARY in the Pacific Northwest, anything can happen and usually does in regards to the weather.
 
If seeds are burning a hole in your pocket there are a few things you can do to curb that all out planting desire while still protecting your soil and saving yourself time and money when it decides to freeze, sleet, or snow again this winter.

• Is your soil ready?  Test your soil for plantability, when you put your shovel into the ground does it stick like glue?  when you take a handful of soil is it like gooey playdoh?  if so, your soil is NOT READY!  If you choose to till or plant large amounts of space at this time you will be damaging the health of your soil, creating greater compaction, disrupting the intricate web of micro- and macro-organisms, as well as the beneficial mycorrhiza you’ve allowed to build through the winter.
• Bareroot trees and shrubs are in stores and nurseries and this is a great time to plant apples, pears, plums, blueberries, raspberry canes, and the like.  Bareroot trees and shrubs planted during this time of year benefit from the cool weather inhibiting bud growth while the wet soil encourages root development.  When planting add compost to the soil as well as bone meal which aids root development and kelp meal which decreases plant stress during transplanting.
• Prepare for native bees.  The Pacific Northwest region boasts more than 450 species of native bees.  The most common for the backyard gardener is the Mason Bee.  Plan for these bees now as they will be emerging during February and March.  Mason bees are 100x more efficient at pollinating than honeybees, are less susceptible to diseases, and work even during cold and wet weather.  Washougal resident Sherian Wright has recently published a book on these fascintating bees that will be available at the Backyard Birdshop.
• Planting early greens. If you just can’t wait to plant try winter greens, lettuces, and scallions in a protected area of your garden, under row covers, or in a cold-frame.  They key is to disrupt your soil as little as possible, provide as much sunlight as available, protect from cold evenings, and be prepared for slugs.  

It is that time of year when the seed catalogs have piled up and they beckon from the sidetable. With the seed catalogs comes all the possibilities of the new year and the new garden. It is the opportunity to dream of striped tomatoes, speckled lettuces, and red and white ringed beets.

It is also the time to start planning the garden. Beware the lure of the seed catalog, $2.00 here and $3.oo there quickly adds up to a mountain of seeds and no place to put them. Here are a few tips when starting your seed list for this year that will save you time, money, and will better focus your garden for the year ahead.

* Sort through your seeds from last year removing empty packages and those that have gotten moist. Keep in mind that most seed is viable for 3-10 years when stored properly.
* Write a list of what you like to eat and in what quantities.
* Draw a basic garden plan or review your plan from last year; start rotating your crops and dedicating spaces to certain vegetables allowing you to know how much seed you will need.
* Ask yourself some basic questions while looking through the catalogs – How often do you eat salads and greens? Are root vegetables a must? What do you plan on canning, freezing, and drying? How much squash do you really need?
* Know your seed skill level. It is easy to get frustrated when you start seeds with the greatest of intentions but have lackluster results. Easy seeds to start in the ground for spring include lettuces and greens, radishes, peas, cilantro, and green onions. The most common tricky germinators are parsnips and woody herbs such as lavender and rosemary.
* Order regional seeds if you can. Most large seed companies are based in the Mid-west and their seeds’ germination times, yields, and maturity rates have all been tested for that climate and soil. Regional seeds are tested in your area with similar weather, pest, and soil conditions.
* Order seeds with friends. You can buy larger quantities at a lower price and pay only one shipping fee.
* Take a Garden Planning class or schedule a consultation. We are here to help when it comes to figuring out what goes where, how to maximize the space you have, and keep the maintenance at a minimum.

January and February are a great time to take the time and plan your garden. By taking a few hours during the dark days of winter when fresh tomatoes are nothing but a memory coming out of a jar you will save yourself time, energy, and money in the coming gardening months. Knowing what you are going to plant, in what quantity, and where allows you to prepare the garden and yourself appropriately.

Although giving of oneself is a year-round endeavor this is the season that it is most celebrated. With recent economic events people are once again relying more upon their creativity than their credit cards so here are a few thoughts on affordable giving for that experienced or novice gardener on your gift list.

Seed Tape for Spring Planting cut two-inch wide strips of newspaper, using flour and water glue, adhere seeds to the strip of paper at required spacing, let dry completely, roll and tie with a ribbon or twine, add a tag with seed name and planting instructions.

Herbs are one of the most expensive food products to purchase in a grocery store. Peruse your local nursery or box store for thyme, rosemary, sage, lavender and other herbs that are often discounted this time of year and can be planted in cold weather conditions. Grab a plantable bamboo pot to create a complete herb garden.

Gardening Books you can never go wrong with books, look on Amazon.com, visit Powell’s Books or your local used book or thrift store, gardening books are everywhere! A few favourites: The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery, Straight Ahead Organic by Shepard Ogden, Botany for Gardeners by Brian Capon, any of the Rodale Organic Pest and Disease Control Books.

Donate your time, expertise, or materials to beginning gardeners, school gardens, or mentor programs in your community. People are ready to learn and are just looking for a little support.

Give Education for a gift that lasts a lifetime. Urban Farm School is offering Gift Certificates for regular classes or consultations for 2010 in any denomination. Give one class for $15, a workshop for $40, a garden or canning consultation for $50, or a punchcard of 6 classes for the price of 5. Please, note that Gift Certificates are redeemable through December 2010 and are good for regular classes or consultations only and can not be used for Parks and Recreation supported classes.

It has been an interesting year for Urban Farm School with the celebration of our first year, the departure of Co-owner Toree Hiebert, and the continued economic instability in our region but because of the support of everyday citizens, Urban Farm School is entering 2010 excited, offering new classes, and creating new partnerships to better serve local gardeners. It is with deepest gratitude that we give thanks for your support and interest in urban farming in Clark County and we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

. . . the holidays that is. the cool weather, rains, and shorter days always bring about the sense of hibernation, slowing down, spending more time with family and friends. the pantry is stocked, the potatoes nestled in their bins, squash glaring brightly in the dim light of the basement, and jars upon jars of canned summer sitting on the shelves.

when devising your holiday gift list look to your bounty and hard-work this summer. A homemade jar of jam with fresh baked bread or muffins is always a welcome treat and is affordable, fast, and a reflection of your hard-work and time. when giving homemade gifts to friends and family there are a few pointers to assure the comfort of everyone.
* Label your jars with:
– contents
– date canned
– how it was processed (i.e. waterbath canned, 10 minutes)
– storage recommendations

Making gifts is a wonderful way to build your community and have a great time, especially with family. We hope you can join us for our annual wreath-making party, an opportunity to spend time with friends and family, learn the basics of how to make your own wreath and bows as well as help your community. We will be collecting canned foods for the North Clark County Food Bank at both our wreath parties this year. Bring five cans of food and get $5 off your workshop fee. In addition, Urban Farm School will match each donation. All materials are included in the workshop fee. We hope to see you there.

Saturday, November 21, 10:00am to Noon
Saturday, November 21, 6:00 to 8:00pm
NW Nursery Outlet, 12503 NE 72nd Ave. Vancouver 98686
Registration: 360-852-3728, prepayment required.
Fee: $20, $5 will be refunded at the time of the class with donation of five canned food items.
Both classes still have openings but please call today as space is limited.