At the Summer School, we mentioned that we would follow up each month with a farm visit to discuss further important issues raised in the workshops. Our first one is planned for this coming Sunday! Details are:
2-5pm Sunday 23rd February
Please RSVP by email (maryvalleycountryharvest@gmail.com) to get driving instructions – numbers are limited.
Bring a plate to share an early supper, overlooking the feijoa orchards!
A hat, sturdy shoes and water bottle are also advised.
Graeme Elphinstone getting people to look at a soil profile at the October 2013 field day.
The topic is soils, and we will be looking at practical ways you can make assessments about the soils on your own property (digging to get soil profiles, pH testing, etc). Sally and Peter will describe what they have had to do to establish their feijoa orchards and to get organic certification for their farm. They have used a lot of compost and mulch around their orchards, but still find that their hungry soils need to be fed. Previous heavy use for grazing had depleted the soils. We will look at how laboratory soil samples are collected and reported, and how these reports are used to determine whether any amendments need to be added to the soil for that particular crop. We may also look at the soils on a neighbouring property, if time allows.
Please note that these farm visits are not formal presentations, but rather to have a look at some practical aspects of the topic, and to share ideas. There is no fee to attend, however a gold coin donation would be appreciated (to go to the farmers for making their time and place available). With any luck, there will also be fresh feijoas to purchase, as the season has just started!
