Really busy this week, getting beds ready and planting for the fall. Lots to do in the greenhouse as well. We sent some plants into town with Kelly Des Maris, to the new garden at Kate Sullivan Elementary School. They are off to a rousing start, even have a website. If you want to get a garden going at your child's school I am sure they will be happy to hook you up with the resources they have used.
I had the pleasure of sharing information about the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance this week with the Tallahassee Food Network. I shared with them the mission of the Small Farm Alliance and did a little show and tell about our Online Market. If you want to connect with other groups and people working to support the Tallahassee and regional food systems this is the crucible. There is a group working to make a celebration for National Food Day in October, a group working to coordinate and connect our community gardens; a group working on a plan for educational outreach; and a group working to build a comprehensive directory of local farms, gardens, businesses, and agencies that are involved in our local food system. Priscilla Hudson and Alexa Warwick representing The Small Farm Alliance and Qasima Boston DrPh(candidate) with Project Food are coordinating and constructing the directory. This loosely knit organization of organizations is set to make a real difference. If you are interested in pitching in with this enterprising and dedicated group, contact Nathan Ballantine, Tallahassee's Man in Overalls. They meet monthly.
So what to plant now? Well, not saying you should do as we do, but this is what we have done lately:
seeded asian greens, carrots, kale, collards, fennel, basil, parsley, lettuce, arugula, onions and leeks.
Prepared beds, irrigated beds, mowed, tied up eggplants and peppers, side dressed eggplants and peppers with organic granular fertilizer, harvested field corn and put it up to dry, weeded ginger and turmeric, plowed in cover crops, worked on repairing big green tractor, mowed, ate pears and grapes and mangoes. The sun is tracking fast to the south and the Autumn Equinox will be here in a blink.
Next thing you know leaves will fall.
With the FARM BILL coming up for a vote in 2012 it is a good idea to learn more about how the farm bill affects all our lives. King Corn is a great and entertaining introduction to the world of commodity subsidies. The new movie on the block is FARMAGEDDON. It will be an opportunity for farmers and friends to gather and get a view of what we know but don't see. Bring a friend who hasn't even seen Food Inc. See the Calendar* below.
Thanks for your support,
Miss Louise and Farmer Herman
(Turkey Hill Farm on Local Harvest)
*September 16 6-10PM- the movie FARMAGEDDON hosted by Red Hills Graziers. The film explores the policies that favor agribusiness and factory farms over small family operated farms that sell fresh foods to strengthen our communities health and local economies.
Meet Your Local Farmers from 6-7 the movie starts at 7:15. Bump elbows and hobnob till 10:00. Movie will be shown at FSU in building HCB 101, east of the Mendenhall Parking lot. Parking available in Mendenhall Parking Lot A.
There is no charge for the movie, donations will be accepted to pay for movie rental and further the cause. As per campus rules food and drink are not allowed in academic spaces.Hope to see you there, BRING A FRIEND OR TWO.