The Acadia Community Farm

“Spring is sprung, the grass is ‘riz’”  …but no need to “wonder where the birdies is” They are all here in my very wet backyard helping themselves to the fat juicy worms. I just would like them to leave me a few! It has been so very wet,  which is of course a good thing however it does mean that we must be patient to get down to the garden. Tilling will take place as soon as we get the ‘O.K.’ from the university Facilities department, that the adjacent athletic  field is sufficiently dry to accommodate vehicle and foot traffic. We will let you know as soon as we get the word!

There has been much behind-the-scenes activity as we gear up for this  season. Sadly we are  saying farewell to some of our  farm   management team. This has been such a wonderful experience to serve along side such a dedicated and hardworking group. It is inspiring and encouraging to see these young adults emerging from their studies at Acadia and knowing that our future world is in their hands. Those that are returning in September,  we eagerly anticipate your return with sincere thanks for all the hard work you have done to set us up for success on the farm. Those who are moving on, we wish you much success and happiness and extend our gratitude for your selfless and tireless efforts for the ACF in the midst of your studies but you must know that you will be missed this season!!

Did you attend April Flavours this year? If not you must put this on your to-do events next year. A terrific response from the community and we were treated to a wonderful selection of local foods and wines. It is a reminder of how unique and privileged we are to live in the Annapolis Valley! A double plot at the ACF was one of several items auctioned off that evening and it was delightful to meet the recipients who are new gardeners! That is exciting and we assured them that they are in good hands with the wonderful community we have within the Acadia Community farm. So welcome to all our new and old gardeners this year!!

Seedlings are well on their way and we have another seedling planting coming up likely this week so stayed tuned!

Our workshop series is also gearing up and we know that “Organic Vegetable Growing “ with Nikki Jabbour will be taking place May 28^th – “Permaculture” from the folks at Big Sky Permaculture on their maritime tour on June 17^th   and “Seed Saving” in the fall. We will have more details very soon but you will not want to miss one of these so mark your calendars now!

Well there has been a flurry of activity in and around the garden of late.  A second planting of seedlings at the Irving Centre are nestled comfortably in their recycled paper seedling pots thanks to Dan and his team. Have a look at “Recent Posts” on the right sidebar and click on Adopt -a-Seedling Update to see how to make your own seedling pots. Brilliant idea and the paper pots go right into your plot  There’s no plastic containers to dispose of and  the newspaper will biodegrade in your garden. Best of all  your seedling doesn’t have a traumatic transplant!

Have a look at the ‘Events’ link above to see what has been happening and  to see what is ‘germinating’        http://wp.me/Pd7yx-4 

Spring clean-up is planned for Saturday at 1:30 . We can use as many hands as possible. This is a great way to meet some of your gardening neighbours and if you are new to the garden,  a great time to get down and dirty with your new garden home!

More details can be found under the Events  page     http://wp.me/Pd7yx-4 or check us out on Facebook.    http://on.fb.me/dHHArB

Stayed tuned for our upcoming ACF Workshop series!   We are very excited about what we have planned for the 2011 season!

About thirty people attended our Sign-up Meeting this past Sunday, and about two-thirds of our garden plots are now taken! Emily is underway pairing novice gardeners with more experienced mentors. We’re aware of three plots where youngsters will be helping out, and will make sure those plots are beside each other. Let us know if there will be any other young gardeners, and we’ll add you to the corner. More fun that way!

We plan to be at the Seedy Saturday at the Wolfville Farmers’ Market this weekend. If you still want a plot, or just want a chat, this is where to find us!

Seeding Session

Afterward, we had a Seeding Session, where we planted all the following within an hour, for the communal plot!

Tomatoes:

Cherry – Black Cherry,  Red Alert, Golden Cherry

Full Size – Yellow Brandywine, Tomande, Scotia

Green cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Kale & Pac Choi

Basil, Fennel & Leeks

Yesterday, the order arrived from Johnny’s Selected Seeds! This means that we have Eggplant and Sweet Peppers to plant in the next week!

More than eighty students living in Tully, Seminary, and War Memorial residences are currently caring for beautiful seedlings to be planted in the communal portion of the Acadia Community Farm. Hopefully the cauliflower and Nicandra seedlings are thriving on windowsills all over campus!

The seedling pots were made from old copies of the Athaeneum using a method found here:
How To Make Newspaper Seedling Pots

Acadia students are encouraged to adopt-a-seedling for our 2011 planting season.  A great idea to get our seedlings started with a touch of personal TLC and as well as introducing Acadia students to the farm! The event is being held at Seminary House on campus Sunday Mar.27th at 1:00. For more information see “Events” (tab above) or check out our Facebook page at Acadia Community Farm  (see Links in sidebar)

Spring is sprung!

“Through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar.” Helen Hayes

The first day of spring and that is just what we are doing here on the farm, digging our fingers in the soil and planting a few seeds at the Irving Centre; rosemary, celery, leeks and a few cole crops. Can there be a better way to celebrate the burgeoning season? In the weeks to come the greenhouse schedule includes peppers, and some new introductions  – romaine, melons and ‘garden jewellery’ – eggplants! You can join us Sunday April 3rd after the plot signup in the Irving Centre greenhouses to plant tomatoes and the majority of the cole crop seedlings. Rain or shine what a fine place to be to enjoy a taste of spring with fellow gardeners! http://valleyevents.ca/event?id=8730

March 31st, “The Economics of Happiness” is being shown at the Al Whittle Theatre with Av Singh presenting. If you have never had the opportunity to hear Av speak , then you will want to attend this film event!

The garden may have been laying dormant all winter but the ACF managemnt team have been very active! Planning , organizing, preparing, fundraisers and most importantly just enjoying getting ready for the 2011 season – our fourth!

Over the next few weeks we will continue to share what is happening. This season we are all very excited about having a ready source of water. We are sorry to disappoint any of you who enjoyed the ‘process’ of the wheelbarrow trip to the arena, filling your jugs, skillfully attempting to maneuver your wheelbarrow and jugs over the athletic fields and arrive back at the garden with 50% ( or better if you were a seasoned water toter)  of  the water remaining. The hose is  in place and the taps ready to be turned on to keep the large totes filled for ready access. The totes are also conveniently placed mid- garden.

Some other exciting changes will be evident in the garden layout Individual plots are now going to be at the back of the garden with easy access to the shed for tools.

Signage is currently being created so each plot holder will have  their own sign to personalize! We will also use signage to designate rows and the various stages of growth and what tasks might be done by volunteers whenever you are down at the garden. For example  you may see a rustic sign that says ” we’re germinating -  please water”  or “it’s crowded in here – please weed!” We are also hoping to create a few living teepees of beans or peas for our younger gardeners to  have fun in.

Have you started planning what produce you hope to plan this year? Seedy Saturday is April 9that the Wolfville Market. It’s a great opportunity to join in workshops, demonstrations and purchase local seeds.

http://www.wolfvillefarmersmarket.ca/component/content/article/19-event-news/200-april-9-seedy-saturday

Stay tuned for more exciting news down here on the farm!

Happy Spring