Monthly Archives: February 2012

On Sunday March 4, nine participants met at the Food Program Greenhouse to make up a shared starting mix and begin plantings for the 2012 growing season.

After discussing the components of the mix and comparing with other recipes, we made up a large batch of starter mix, washed containers in soap and warm water and began planting. Seeds planted included 3 varieties of yellow storage onions, one type of red storage onions, summer leeks, moss curled parsley, two types of celery and fennel. In addition some previously sprouted red stemmed celery was transplanted into larger pots as well. Some members took the seed trays home to germinate in the warm and will return them once sprouted and the plants will be shared by members of the group. Some trays of starts are for the food program and will be transplanted out at participating farms later in the spring.

Our basic recipe for the seed starting mix was as follows:

1 part coconut coir – presoaked

1 part compost

1 part sand

1 part perlite

We experimented with plantings in both the straight mix and in a mix topped with fine vermiculite to see what the difference might be in terms of germination and surface contamination by algae or mold.

Seedling flat mix

• 2 parts compost or worm castings
• 2 parts peat moss
• 1 part vermiculite, pre-wet

Seed mix

• 2 parts screened compost or worm castings
• 4 parts sphagnum peat
• 1 part perlite
• 1 part vermiculite
• Lime as needed to adjust pH to 6

Seed mix – standard soilless

• 50–75% sphagnum peat
• 25–50% vermiculite
• 5 lbs of ground or superfine dolomitic lime per cubic yard of mix
• Blood meal, rock phosphate, and greensand at 5 to 10 lbs per cubic yard

MAIN INGREDIENT INFO

• Sphagnum peat moss

o Material and Description Peat is a common ingredient in soilless mixes because it is widely available, relatively inexpensive, and has desirable physical characteristics. It holds a lot of water and air and decomposes very slowly. Barks—even aged barks—should be avoided as seedling mix components because they immobilize nitrogen.

o Characteristics Peat is quite acidic (pH of 3.5–4.0); limestone is usually added to the mix to balance the pH. Add about 5–15 lb lime per cubic yard for mixes containing 70% peat. Peat is not a source of plant nutrients. Color varies with extent of decay; lighter-colored peats (grower or professional grade) provide more aeration. Finer, darker peats (retail grade) are used as a soil amendment.

o Common Usage Often makes up 30–80% of the mixes. Blending equal parts peat and compost results in desirable pH range.

• Perlite

o Material and Description Is a silica-based volcanic rock that has been heated using natural gas, causing it to expand and become less dense. It improves aeration and water holding capacity of mixes.

o Characteristics Perlite is sterile and has a neutral pH.

o Common Usage Typically makes up 30–50% of mixes when combined with peat or high C:N compost.

• Vermiculte

o Material and Description Is a micaceous mineral expanded in a furnace using natural gas.

o Characteristics Handled roughly, it can lose its air holding capacity. Vermiculite can supply some K, Mg, and other trace minerals.

o Common Usage Typically makes up 30–50% of mixes when combined with peat or high C:N compost.

• Worm castings

o Material and Description Produced by red worms as they breakdown organic wastes. Inconsistent quality makes custom mixes necessary.

o Characteristics Castings are nutrient rich and claimed to have growth promoting attributes. The amount of available P and N varies with bedding materials.

o Common Usage Often makes up 10–40% of mixes; the proportion varies with composition in the same way as other composts or manures.

COME SATISFY YOUR APPETITE….

– to grow food for yourself, your family and your community

– to work with others

– to learn about soil, planting and harvesting techniques and orchard care

Cable Bay and Sunshine Farms are offering to collaborate in creative and innovative ways

– 50 foot irrigated allotment beds

– forming a potato coop

– growing community crops

– learning, labour and food exchanges

BRING YOUR IDEAS OF HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER

Let’s Occupy our Food System !

Come be part of the Spring Fever to take some control of our own food production as well as working amongst friends of all ages.

Explore these ideas with community, Food Program coordinators and the farmers

THURSDAY , MARCH 22 @ 7 pm at the Community Hall

The focus of the Community Greenhouse is to promote social and environmental sustainability. The project allows community members to grow their own organic herbs and vegetables 12 months of the year while engaging in a welcoming community environment. A portion of the greenhouse is used by the school children for their purposes from September through June though there is lots of room for sharing.

The greenhouse project was initiated in 2010 by the Galiano Community Food Program through the Galiano Club who is responsible ultimately for its upkeep and use. After repeatedly hearing that the community was interested in growing year-round, the Food Program was successful in receiving a VanCity grant to fund the project.

Today there is a 20′ by 16′ poly greenhouse located on the grounds of the Galiano Community School. The greenhouse contains a large U-shaped raised bed, a large work bench and a shelving unit.. The beds are fitted with an in-ground drip irrigation system to minimize water consumption as the crops mature. The Greenhouse Project is divided into the Spring Starts group and the year round group. There is a cost of participating which has been $20 per person but could be revisited each year. This is used to purchase organic seeds, tools, etc. all at the groups discretion. If desired, the group can elect to pool extra funds for special projects.

Guidelines and Rules

* The Community greenhouse is a teaching and learning facility first and foremost and is secondarily about production. The Galiano Community School also uses the greenhouse for their teaching purposes.

* The greenhouse is a SHARED facility and must be used respectfully. Participants are encouraged to look after each other’s crops and report anything unusual or any problems to a Food Program representative.

* Given the size of the greenhouse, a limit of eight people per season is recommended. Two participants from a previous year will be encouraged to stay on in order to ensure continuity and the rest of the group will be determined by lottery, if there is more interest than spaces available. There will be a waiting list in order to ensure continued participation, should some participants be unable to complete their growing season. People can participate fully or partially depending on life schedules.

* SECURITY: Right now, we are not using a key system, but this policy may be revisited as required.

* The Food Program promotes organic methods of gardening. Use of herbicides and chemical pesticides are strictly prohibited.

* All plant waste to be deposited outside of the Greenhouse in the appropriate compost.

* No pets are permitted in the Greenhouse.

*No Smoking inside the Greenhouse or on school ground.

* No GMO Seeds

Starts Group: Get a jump on the growing season ! Learn what to start and when as well as how to make great potting mixes. Planning meeting Sun. Feb 26, 11 am @ the greenhouse.

First plantings Sunday, March 4 @ 11 am