Market Farming

[Marty Kraft <martyk AT allspecies.org>]

Here is a workshop that we hope will start a larger discussion on no-till gardening and its possibilities. I'm sure there will be discussion about compromises to strict no till.

This free workshop evolved out of the Kansas City Missouri's Climate Protection Process. Please share this notice in any way you see fit. You can download a PDF of the flyer at http://www.allspecies.org.

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No-Till Organic Gardening Workshop

Better Soils - Better Food - Easier

Learn How to Assist the Soil in Becoming Healthy Again While Slowing Climate Change & Global Warming

On October 27 at

Lincoln College Prep, 2012 E. 23rd Street & Niles Garden (Across the Street)

Joel Gruver will talk about how to improve the biological activity of the soil in your garden/farm with organic inputs and minimum tillage. Joel will present a balance blend of science and practice rooted in his experiences as a gardener, farmer, educator and soil scientist.

Patrice Gros will explain the basics of his financially successful no-till system including cultivation systems, crop sequences and fertility. Patrice will demonstrate the building of a no-till bed using his techniques.

Discussion of the process and Q&A will be led by both Patrice and Joel.

8:30   Registration (No Charge)

8:45 am     Film – “Ruth Stout’s Garden” - Ruth Stout is considered the “Mother of modern no-till gardening”.

9:15 – 10:45    Presentation/Questions – Joel Gruver

11:00 – 12:30    Presentation/Questions – Patrice Gros

12:30 – 1:30    Lunch – The Blue Bird Bistro will provide lunch (local/organic if possible) for $10 for those who register.

1:30 – 3:00 pm    Bed Building Demonstration/Discussion 

Joel Gruver grew up on a homestead in rural Maryland. His academic training includes a B.S. in Chemistry from Principia College, an M.S. in Agronomy from the University of Maryland and a Ph.D. in Soil Science from NC State University. He has managed several farms and has experience producing beef, sheep, poultry, fruits, vegetables, forages and grains using organic production practices. He currently is an assistant professor of Soil Science and Sustainable Agriculture in the Department of Agriculture at Western Illinois University (Macomb, IL) and the director of the WIU Organic research program. http://www.wiu.edu/ag/organicfarm/jgruverresume.php

Patrice Gros left the big city 12 years ago and fell in love with gardening. He has been a full time organic farmer for 10 years, following a 2 year apprenticeship.  Patrice is the co-founder of two local farmers markets (Berryville & Eureka Springs, AR) and sit on the board of the Eureka Market. He is married and has two children. Patrice makes a nice living by devoting about 1/2 time to gardening. He runs Foundation Farm and associated Farm School for people to learn gardening. http://www.foundationfarm.com/ 

 Registration: Kansas City Community Gardens 816-931-3877 or info-1 AT kccg.org

Sponsored by Kansas City Community Gardens. Cosponsored by City of Kansas City Missouri, Heartland All Species Project and Niles Home for Children