Farmscaping - is fall a time for planting?

'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.' (Eccl. 3.)

While there are those who view fall as only a season of harvest, it offers many farmscaping opportunities - 'a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted.

A few years ago, while identifying for a client an edible urban landscape design, I coined use of a word ‘farm-scape’. Terms which have since surfaced are food desert, foodshed and/or urban farmer. The term ‘food desert’ is used to describe urban suburban areas which neither realistically support production of edible plants nor have nearby resources such as a grocery store or farmer’s market. Why should you care?

An option is to become an ‘urban farmer’, seasonally farm-scape your property. Yes, you – ‘dig in the dirt’! Whether in containers, above ground boxes or in-ground soils, grow edible plants! Areas such as the Greater Richmond Area residents are fortunate to have readily available community garden space. In fact, city owned parcels of land were identified and as many as possible are converted into community garden space.

 

As a result, across the Nation, interest has occurred related to healthier food choices in our diets; specifically, ‘grow your own’ vegetables but for many, the challenge is not ‘how’ but permission to include edibles in their urban/suburban landscapes. For example, as Virginians moved away from their agrarian heritage, they created regulatory as well as neighborhood restrictions which in many cases prohibit installation of edibles in urban/suburban landscapes. Nevertheless, astute homeowners and landscape designers have creatively made ‘grow your own’, farmscaping, reality.

Urban Farmscaping -

Urban/suburban farmscaping, the introduction of edibles into a landscape, is not a magical eco-cure. It is an ecological approach which utilizes plants, cover crops and water reservoirs to attract and support populations of beneficial organisms such as insects, bats, and birds of prey which enable successful harvests. So, in this context, site selection and gardening style are critical success factors.

      Site Restrictions – Plants, specifically edibles in order to bear fruit, must have at least six hours of light coupled with a warm climatic exposure which in order of preference is south/west, south/east and north/east. If for any reason, you do not have a site that provides these requirements; at this point, investigate an alternative site such as a public space, a ‘community garden’.

An equally make-or-break restriction is available soil. Unless your site has experienced little or no urban/suburban development, the likelihood its soil is usable is frankly slim to none. Typically, urban/suburban soils are harvested as ‘top soil’ and distributed to other locations. Most urban sites are also littered with construction debris which is then simply buried during the final grading. So, in most cases, a better choice is to farmscape above ground.

 

Gardening above ground, a gardening style which enables the development of an appropriate soil mix, provides a number of benefits:

1. access without walking into the space which avoids soil compaction,

2. healthy root growth which drains better and conversely enables appropriate levels of water retention,

3. soil that is better able to absorb nutrients, and

4. seed germination which occurs earlier and at a high rate.

Still, regardless of style option, presently most urban/suburban communities restrict use. So, identify community restrictions and be careful that you solicit permission to work around a restriction.

       Construction Considerations - Assuming installation restrictions are resolved, style construction is dependent on who participates in the project. For example, while visiting a community garden, I noticed an extraordinarily well-maintained space and inquired of the gardener how her ‘special needs’ were accommodated. For, this gardener tended her plants while sitting in a wheel-chair. On the other hand, assuming your site is average and installed on your property, Virginia based author and gardener Tanya Denckla in her book The Gardener’s A-Z Guide to Growing Organic Food recommends an area 12 to 16 inches high, which allows for sitting on the edge while planting or weeding, and a width of 4 by a length of 12 feet which allows for ease of access. Specific to construction materials, Denckla recommends earth friends materials (e.g., stone, brick, concrete blocks) or untreated wood that is naturally rot-resistant (e.g., cedar, cypress and locust).

Doing-it-yourself is easier than you might think. If you use untreated wood, cut the ends of the boards at 45-degree angles and attach them together to create a square using 3 wood screws to hold together the corners. Then, to ensure the framed area does not slip out of place, dig a small trench under the frame so that it sits level on the ground. Positioning 2" x 2' stakes every couple of feet along the inside of the boards and hammering them into the ground about 1' will stabilize the area. With the frame in place, you are ready to add the soil.

     Create a basic soil structure – While some gardeners strive to create soils high in organic matter, for a number of reasons, I prefer a more balanced approach. So, as result of personal experience, I’ve learned a mixture which consists of approximately 1/3 sand, 1/3 clay and 1/3 top soil and/or organic matter allows for adequate drainage, water retention and provides a balanced nutrient content. The quantity of ingredient materials is determined through the relationship of the garden area’s height, length and depth. In general, edible plants function well in a soil depth of six inches. Still, regardless of an identified soil mixture ratio, because there is presently no standard of quality for top soil, it is a better choice to conduct a soil test.

 

      Conduct a soil test – While numerous over-the-counter soil test options exist, I recommend using tests provided by state agricultural universities; for Virginians, the option is Virginia Tech. These tests do not simply test pH levels but identify other nutrient requirements, too. Similar to the concept of your body absorbing its necessary nutrients, plants only absorb what is necessary for their growth; so, be careful to follow instruction guidelines. The reliability of a test is no better than the sample you submit compared to the specified plant crop. Then, using test results, only add the recommended amenities.

     Feed soil, not the plant – Avoid falling into the trap of chemical fertilizers. For lack of a better analogy, chemical fertilizers and their ongoing effect on plants are similar to individuals who are addicted to cocaine. As Denckla says, “Once started, an addictive cycle begins that is difficult to break.” So, since you are so-to-speak starting with a clean slate, make a commitment to create a sustainable space, an area that reliably produces crops without depleting soil nutrients.

A key ingredient of soil management is composted matter. To ensure rapid decomposition, designate an area 3’ x 3’ x 3’; and then, combine roughly equal parts of dry material (leaf, small sticks, shredded paper, etc.) and green material (grass clippings, kitchen waste, etc.). Turn the contents every two to seven days and then, once the space is filled, cover the pile with tarp, a piece of black plastic or lid until the mixture is fully composted. While the first pile is composting, start a second. Then, alternate between building and using the composted materials.

Apply organic composted material twice in one season: once before planting and a second, half way through the plant’s growth cycle. During the second fertilizing, plants are side-dress by sprinkling amenities approximately six inches from the base of the plant, near the plant’s drip line.

    Water-wise Choices - Are you making water-wise choices? Alternating drought/flood weather cycles have made it more difficult to plan for 'normal' moisture levels. As a result, it is critical that we understand water-wise choices and how these choices impact nutrient management of cool and warm season landscape plantings.

 

A soil test such as those provided by the Virginia Cooperative Extension does not simply identify a soil’s pH level but its overall make up including ability to absorb as well as drain water. For help with how to properly sample a site’s soil, consult web site, www.vtturf.com, option soil test. This site contains an excellent video show which explains the benefits of soil testing. In response to ongoing drought, we need to safeguard water sheds. While in general our Nation remains water rich, it needs your help. Plenty of water does not necessarily mean usable water. To put present-day water consumption in measurable terms, the Virginia Cooperative Extension estimates each person daily uses 60 to 100 gallons. So, choose to protect your community’s watershed.

One strategy is implement ‘gray water’ use. A simplistic example is attach a longer-length hose to your home AC system condensation and alternate drain it into 5 gallon buckets or a nearby landscape planting area. Or, collect water run-off into a rain barrel; and perhaps a more important suggestion is collect water used to hand-wash items. Water collected through any one of these methods can be used to irrigate container gardens as well as supplement natural rainfall for a kitchen garden. In other words, think recycle!

      Impact of Climate Change - Assuming you selected a garden installation strategy, created an appropriate soil mix and identified water-wise resources, how can you work around the ongoing effect of climate change? To be candid, you ‘work with the flow’ and try not to get dishearten when your best plans don’t work out.

For example due to climate shifts during a planting season, in hindsight, I should have planted ‘cool season’ veggies in early March; but instead, installed these plants mid-March near St. Patrick’s Day. Then, in central Virginia, we experienced an unusually warm dry spring. As a result, regardless of whether provided by a test vendor or purchased at the local ‘feed & seed’ store, not one green pea emerged from the ground. Most onion bulbs did not mature and my ‘white’ potato crop was frankly pitiful. Nevertheless, salad greens and some root crops such as beets and radish flourish.

Next, in hindsight, I should have installed a ‘warm season’ crop the first of April, not mid-April. A cool spell characterized by spring rain gave promise to the slow growing ‘cool season’ crop but by mid-April, we again experienced a warmer dry season. Then, when, the ‘warm season’ veggies began to bear fruit, a back to back heat-index of more than 100 degrees occur enabling one of the worst droughts to hit central Virginia. On the other hand, grapes and melons worked well and a 'killer crop' of sweet potatoes was harvest. So, I remain somewhat amazed by what will and will not flourish in the changing weather patterns. What is the answer?

Well one suggestion is ‘fall is for planting’. So, twice a year I restore my above ground boxes - for a spring and fall planting. More than likely, I use ‘test seeds’ supplied by vendors and blend this mix with other ‘tried and true’ brands which have proven to work for me. In year 2012, I also implemented a ‘Plants of CARE’ plant recognition program. The intent of my program is to highlight plants which work-well in my central Virginia landscape gardens. Please take a few moments and view picture video and hear a reading from Landscape Gardening with CARE - https://youtu.be/ENPhCg9QQNc which features sustainable plantings.

 

Urban Farmscaping Resources –

Whether referred to as a kitchen garden, edible landscape, farmscaping or urban farming, a little time spent planning these types of garden can go a long way toward success. So, be sure to make the experience fun, too. Explore the many edible plant options available in your region. Some of the better performers under local conditions are listed on Virginia Tech’s Extension publication 426-480 - Vegetables Recommended for Virginia or contact your local Extension office for more information.

And, the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia’s USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Virginia Soil Health Coalition, Virginia Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) and community partners have organized numerous educational opportunity for farmers, market gardeners, food entrepreneurs, community advocates, nutrition and dining service directors, technical service providers, and anyone interested in strengthening Virginia’s food system from the soil up and the connections between nutrition, health and sustainability.

On the other hand, individuals such as a former English teacher, Siggy Buckley's life took an unexpected turn when she and her husband, a CPA, opted out of the rat race in Germany and emigrated to Ireland to become organic farmers. While this book is a ‘must read’ for anyone who contemplates such a like style, for Siggy, this life-style produced a crop of misgivings and finally, the breakup of her marriage. Faced with the challenge of single parent responsibilities, she reinvented herself, and launched a dating service in Dublin. I Once Had a Farm in Ireland: An Organic Life Story is one of many books written by Siggy which illustrate her life journey. Remarried, she presently resides and writes in Florida. For copies of Siggy’s life-style books, visit Amazon, Siggy Buckley

 

Ted's Last Stand Farm and Gardens is a sustainable small farm located near Charlottesville, Virginia, owned and operated by Michael Levatino and Audrey Blecha. Specializing in growing the finest, freshest, seasonal cut flowers in the area, specialty vegetables and herbs are also available. Recognizing there was a steep learning curve for the work she now does, Levatino - a retired high school English teacher -- decided to write a book on farming -- just for women.  Audrey’s book, called Woman-Powered Farm, tells readers how to avoid injuries, offers instructions on sharpening tools and fixing flat tires, and provides a recipe for compost tea - a liquid fertilizer made with bat guano and molasses. She shares experiences of running a farm and offers invaluable advice on how to get started, whether you have hundreds of acres or a simple lot for an urban community garden. Filled with personal anecdotes and stories from other women farmers, from old hands to brand new ones, from agricultural icons like Temple Grandin, to her own sister, this book is a reassuring and inspirational guide: tips for keeping your mind, body and spirit healthy while undertaking the demanding nature of farm work.

 

While ‘soup kitchens’ and ‘food pantries’ are the experience of urban environments, located in northern in Virginia is a rural ‘feed the hungry’ program Volunteer Farms. The Volunteer Farm, an on-going program, follows a central Virginia agricultural schedule. Crops are selected for upcoming growing seasons in late-fall; and many items, such as seed for onions and potatoes, are ordered months in advance. Similar to other farming efforts, seedlings are stated in early spring and planting occurs in April/May, depending on the crop. Crops are harvested by staff and/or volunteers; and donated to local food banks, pantries and soup kitchens. Through mentoring and outreach to volunteers, the farm strives to instill a perspective of life-long love of serving others in young volunteers.

So, whether you are or are not familiar with terms used to describe edible urban suburban landscapes, the 21^st challenge is to identify a blended mix of edible and non-edible plants which work-well for your community, sustain an overall organic approach to farming. In other words, 'identify when it is a time to plant and or pluck that which is planted in your farm-scape. 

Renewing a Sense of Prosperity

‘To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: ….. a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance’ Ecclesiastes 3

For those of you who are unaware, this past year I lost my life partner of 60 years. So, it has been a year in which my world so to speak turned upside down.  In fact, it has made me question if we collectively view prosperity differently in times of mourn or dance. So, whether from a personal and or observer viewpoint, to benefit all, share strategies which enable recovery from loss.

Why? Across the Nation, flood waters continue to recede exposing ravaged landscape. Embers smolder in the wake of waves of forest fire flame, National flags periodically fly at half mass in honor of those who are victims of senseless mass murder; and there are those of us who seek to climb out of grief from personal loss.

Under such conditions is it feasible to think we could and/or would retain a sense of prosperity? On the other hand, perhaps it is recovery from such events that require us to focus on renewal of prosperity. For, a sense of prosperity is not simply defined in terms of money. It is a spiritual matter, an ongoing faith – not cash – which enables a sense of abundance.

To acquire such a sense of 'well-being', let’s examine artist author Julia Cameron’s program which is designed to identify an abundant life, a Prosperous Heart. Cameron’s research recommends five basic workshop style tools: make stream of consciousness lists, count in terms of debt, define abstinence as ‘waste not want not’, take thoughtful walks; and, perhaps more importantly give yourself permission to have ‘time outs’ – sit quietly for self-appraisal.

When I made a stream of consciousness list by finishing this phrase: I feel prosperous when ----. I identified prosperity as when I experience the change of season, the colors of spring and fall. I have a sense of faith when I harvest fruit and vegetables, sit on my deck and listen to the sounds of nature or see bountiful blooms result from landscape garden activities. I also feel prosperous when the smell of baked bread or scent of hardwood burning triggers memories of an agri-childhood.  In fact, a more cherished moment occurs when I snuggle with a grandchild while sharing stories of childhood experiences. These ‘personal’ experiences – not money – have not only enabled but do retain my sense of prosperity.

Assuming you made a ‘stream of consciousness list’, compare it to present-day activities. Is there a relationship? If yes, do you feel prosperous? If not, why?

When I compare my list to present-day activities, I identify that I translate my sense of prosperity – to the ‘living green’ that surrounds me.  In fact, over the years have published a series of books intended to encourage others to become people who CARE – acquire a perspective of conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency.  For details, link to a video Landscape Gardening with CARE at https://youtu.be/ENPhCg9QQNc  or visit web site www.TheWrightScoop.com.  

In terms of communicating YOUR sense of prosperity, would you be seen as a person who walks his/her talks, a person who inspires others to acquire a prosperous heart. PLEASE share your tips and comments below, together let’s enable a conversation intended to inspire others to have a sense of thankfulness, a sense of prosperity.