What role do native plants and their pollinators play in the stability of our food and other agricultural systems? Join the New England Wild Flower Society for a day-long symposium to discuss the interactions between native plants, pollinators, and food crops. Learn how farmers are using native plants to increase their crop production, what programs […]
The Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP) is pleased to announce their first workshop of the season! Learn how to start the season for your farm or garden the right way. We'll be visiting White Barn Farm, a small vegetable farm located in Wrentham, Mass. The husband-wife farmer team, Chris and Christy Kantlehner, use organic practices […]
Raspberries are among the favorite fruits grown in home gardens and offer some of the most challenges to gardeners. There are many types of ‘bramble’ fruit including summer red, yellow or black raspberries, blackberries, and fall bearing types of all colors. Each has a somewhat unique growth habit and requires specialized pruning to be most successful. This workshop will provide information on all types of raspberries and an opportunity for hands-on pruning for participants to gain confidence in pruning their own plants at home. You’ll learn about tool maintenance and sharpening, too. Bring your own tools or use theirs.
Led by Ms. Sonia Schloemann.
"Farming on the Fringe: Guerrilla Gardening on Marginal Acreage"
Sunday March 26th, 12:30-3:30 PM
Laughing Dog Farm, Gill, MA
This is a basic skills class for those who wish to grow (more of) their own high-quality, nutrient-dense food from marginal, "backyard" plots, containers, on rooftops, passive greenhouses, (or wherever) under a variety of real-life conditions. Inspired both by gleaning, "permaculture" priciples as well as the "guerrilla gardening" movement, (which teaches us to question "rules", glean everything, and sow everywhere), inspired grower Danny Botkin will share low-tech, "alternative" propagation and season extension tactics, including "low-till" bed management, permanent sheet mulch, and the use of high and low "tunnels" to harvest high-quality sustenance around the calendar, with little machinery, capital or fossil fuel. The class includes a talk on basic permaculture gardening, followed by a farm/greenhouse tour, a pipe bending demo (for making low tunnel "hoops"), Q and A, plus farm snacks. Suggested donation: $25-$35. No one turned away. Space limited, please RSVP: 413-863-8696
Presented by the Department of Transitional Assistance and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, who will be holding several informational webinars over the coming weeks, so you can learn more about the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), how your business may benefit from participating, and get answers to questions about the new benefit program. Register here […]
Farm Share Fair 2017 is now accepting vendor and sponsor applications for farms and food companies. The Farm Share Fair is the Boston area’s direct-to-consumer marketing event for food producers across Massachusetts. Consumers want to meet their farmers and have the opportunity to compare options. Vendors - get to know your target market one-on-one, and […]
Help UMass revamp its shiitake growing system in Franklin Permaculture Garden! They will be inoculating oak and sugar maple logs with shiitake spawn. Small, take-home shiitake logs will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Feel free to stop in for any length of time during a session.
Greater Quabbin Food Alliance is bringing together food service directors from all sectors (schools, jail, hospital, higher ed, meals on wheels, nursing homes, early ed) from Franklin County/North Quabbin (and from beyond our region, but we are prioritizing those from our region) to support the procurement and use of locally grown food in institutional food services! GQFA will send out an invitation early next week so please be on the lookout and respond when you get it.