Winter Gardening Update and 2021 Weather Predictions for Spring

We are getting close to the heavy production time for backyard growing, community gardening, back to in-person school and urban farming, so let’s take a look at a few things.

Now that the new season is getting started,  I highly recommend subscribing!   Link to the right –>

I am already seeing and hearing about seed shortages from online seed companies.  Make sure to do your ordering ASAP if you plan to get product that way.  I have noticed a good selection, varieity and amount of seed available locally from nurseries.

Cover Crops Update

This is a mixed planting at the demonstration garden at my building on Waterman Farm.  It is planted in oats and winter radishes.  This should be a winter-killed mix, but is doing good so far as we have not had a very cold winter, plus it is located in a warmer microenvironment.  I may have to terminate that via tillage to plant early in the season.  This should not be as difficultt as winter rye which can be tricky.

A little frost damage, but otherwise growing very well.

CLICK HERE for a link to how to manage Over Wintered Cover Crops

Season Extended Over Wintered Greens

Did you all plant Spinach to Grow Over Winter?  It is really fun to have a harvest in the middle of winter. Here is a quick video on how it is done. 

I made a one minute quick video update on the Season Extended Spinach and Kale at my building’s demonstration garden to show you the progress:

Weather Prediction Update

Here is the most up to date temperature and precipitation update from NOAA, made on January 21st.  It shows greater than normal chance of warm weather and rainfall both.  Take careful note of this.  I will use this information to start some seeds earlier than normal to try to get some plants in the ground,  potentially under cover, to get an early harvest.

I will be starting some seeds soon to plant in my container garden as well as under cover at the demonstration garden.  I will likely start some lettuce, arugula, spinach and bok choi with broccoli, cauliflower and kalettes soon after.  Want to learn how to start some seed yourself?  Check out these links:

 

Would You Like a Virtual Gardening Class?

There has been a resurgence of people who wish to raise their own food for personal and family food security, both with produce and with poultry.  Growing your own food is a healthy activity that maintains social distance and provides for personal and family food security.

I HIGHLY recommend subscribing!  I will be adding digital content as we are keeping social distancing and food production is a great outdoor activity for health and wellness  BUTTON ON THE RIGHT — >

Does your department, organization or group want to learn more about growing your own fresh, local, healthy produce?  I am happy to work with you on a class.

Some formats include lunch and learn,  specific topic, or just a Q and A session to address seasonal concerns or questions.

Topics include:

  • Garden Planning – great for new gardeners or a refresher. 
  • Weeds, Pest and Disease
  • Seed Starting
  • Container Gardening
  • Seasonal Question and Answer
  • Backyard Poultry Production
  • Any other topic you want to learn!

You organize your group and we find a time to meet online.

Email me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu to get started.

Backyard Poultry Production

There has been a resurgence of people who wish to raise their own food for personal and family food security, both with produce and with poultry.  I am increasingly getting asked about backyard poultry keeping so I wanted to put a resource together to assist you in getting the knowledge you need for safe, healthy and productive backyard poultry keeping.

FIRST THING:  Find out the regulations in your city or municipality that governs the keeping of backyard poultry and follow those rules carefully. 

We also have a number of Fact Sheets hosted on Ohioline to support poultry keeping:

 

If you need help finding a Veterinarian that sees poultry,  we have a list plus a map to assist you with that.

 

2020 Master Urban Farmer Workshop Series

Registration is now open for the 2020 Ohio Master Urban Farmer Workshop Series.  For all questions contact Mike Hogan at Hogan.1@osu.edu

 

Click HERE to view, download or print the flyer –> 2020 MUF_Brochure

Small Farm Conference and Trade Show in Piketon on March 29th and 30th

Come visit the Small Farm Conference and Trade Show at OSU South Centers in Piketon on March 29th and 30th.  A wide variety of educational tracks will be offered.   See the class listings below.  This is a great opportunity for the urban farmer or producer to learn about a number of topics related to production.

Click the image below to enlarge.

 

CLICK HERE for registration details, event brochure and details of class listing. 

 

 

 

2018 Farm Science Review September 18 – 20

The 56th annual Farm Science Review is only about a month away.  There are many activities, events, educational presentations and displays over the three days of activity that the backyard grower, community gardener and urban farmer can use in their production.

Below are the activities at the Small Farms Area as well as across Arbuckle at The Gwynne Conservation Center.  Both educational programs are included in admission including a tractor ride over to The Gwynne.

 

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The Gwynne Conservation area is a short shuttle down the road from the main site.  This natural area has educational programming with workshops in multiple locations as well as food sales and restrooms.  Shuttles run all day long of the review each day to take patrons back and forth to both locations.

Click on image to expand

 

Click on image to expand

 

CLICK for Printable Flyer of the Small Farms Area activities for 2018 Farm Science Review –> FSR-2018-Small-Farms

CLICK for Printable Flyer of Gwynne Conservation activities for 2018 Farm Science Review –> Gwynne FSR Brochure – 2018

 

Directions to Farm Science Review

Tickets may be purchased in advance for $7 dollars at The Franklin County Extension office or may be purchased online in advance at THIS LINK.  Tickets purchased at the gate are $10 dollars.

2018 Master Urban Farmer Workshop Series

Master Urban Farmer Workshop Series

Registration is now open for the 2018 Master Urban Farmer Workshop Series.  This 11 week course is designed to help individuals learn how to produce and market all kinds of food products in an urban environment, so that they can develop urban farms or food based businesses.  A complete list of course topics is listed on the brochure at this link.

Registration is required by August 15, although the class typically sells out before the registration deadline.  To register, go to: go.osu.edu/MUF2018.

CLICK HERE to download and print brochure to register