Fingerlakespermaculture mailing list

["Chrys B. Gardener" <cab69 AT cornell.edu>]

April 29, 9 am - 3 pm

Free Workshop in Danby

Radical, Self-Reliant Gardening and Farming with Best Selling Author/Farmer Will Bonsall from Maine

How can we eat and farm better, using natural ecosystems as our model? Join veganic farmer Will Bonsall, author of Will Bonsall’s Essential Guide to Radical, Self-Reliant Gardening to learn about innovative techniques for growing vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds with minimal fossil fuel and animal inputs. Realizing that livestock are not a NET producer of fertility, Bonsall turns directly to the pasture and even more to the forest to provide the materials to build, not merely maintain, his soil's tilth. By focusing on high levels of long-lasting humus, he avoids the need for imported materials to feed the soil and adjust the pH. Learn how to become eco-efficient by eliminating off-farm inputs like fertilizers, minerals, and animal manures by practicing plant-based agriculture. Topics will include compost making and using green manures plus several other ways to build soil fertility, intensive planting, improving soil drainage, avoiding pests and disease problems, seeds and seed saving, and more.  

Whether you're looking to minimize outside inputs, become as eco-efficient as possible, or gain a new market of vegans, veganic permaculture can save on expenses and result in new income streams. The underlying principles and practice of Bonsall's system are highly applicable, and, the market for veganic products is wide open in this area. There is a company in Canada selling cereals, breads, and grains grown veganically, this is a significant part of their marketing. Their products are being sold in Greenstar and Wegmans, so we know local customers are interested.

Bonsall will lead a discussion at a day-long gathering on April 29 from 9 am – 3 pm, hosted by the non-profit Club Veg in Danby with plenty of how-to on the above topics and more, depending on audience interest. Location and other details will be given upon registration. The event is free and includes a delicious and abundant plant-based buffet lunch. Wear boots and bring appropriate clothing, including rain gear if needed, as we will spend time outdoors. RSVP asap to clubveg AT gmail.com with name(s) and phone number and details will be emailed to you.

We may also hold a much shorter event from 4 – 5 or 5:30 for Farmer’s Market farmers if there is enough interest. We would hold it somewhere in Ithaca near the Farmer’s Market.

For more information, email clubveg AT gmail.com. The event is also posted at www.clubveg.org.

 

 

Chrys Gardener
Commercial/Community Horticulture Educator
Cornell Cooperative Extension - Tompkins County
615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY 14850
(607)272-2292, extension 241
www.ccetompkins.org