March 23, 2010 by Heather.

Eisenhower Fellowships, the premier international leadership development program, is accepting applications from experienced farmers and ranchers for its 2011 Agricultural Fellowship. The successful applicant will receive a custom-designed, all-expenses paid program overseas for up to five weeks in one or two countries where he or she will focus on agricultural issues. In addition, the 2011 agricultural fellows will receive orientation and post-travel debriefing in Philadelphia along with a select group of Eisenhower Fellows from around the world. 

Click here, Eisenhower Fellowship, for more details. Or visit their website.

Posted in author: Heather, learning | Print | No Comments »

March 23, 2010 by Debra.

Each year MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association) sponsors the workshop, Grow Your Own Organic Garden. This statewide educational event has grown to over 30 different locations in Maine. Nearby locations scheduled for this year includes Kennebunk, Kittery, North Berwick and Wells:

Grow Your Own Organic Garden

April 6, 2010, 6–9 p.m.

Various Maine locations

Are you concerned about the rising cost of food? Unsure what the term “certified organic” means? Interested in learning how to grow your own vegetables in a sustainable manner?

Join us for an evening long workshop on how to grow your own garden. We’ll talk about the basics of soil science, how to enrich your soil to produce healthy, high-yielding plants. The course will also cover the basics of making and using compost, the principles of crop rotation and how to incorporate green manures and manage nutrients in the garden. Other topics will include how to tell the difference between cultivated plants and weeds, basic weed control strategies and common insect pests and methods of natural insect control. The instructor will be an experienced farmer or gardener from your region.

The workshops are open to the public and to people of all gardening skill and experience levels. They are designed to provide folks with essential skills and knowledge needed to make a transition from conventional to organic gardening. The workshop is offered in partnership with Maine’s Adult & Community Education program and community sponsors.

Participants will acquire an understanding of: • the basics of soil science, and how to enrich soil to produce healthy, high yielding plants; • composting methods; • the principles of crop rotation, and how to incorporate green manures and manage nutrients in the garden; • the difference between cultivated plants and weeds, and basic weed control strategies; and common insect pests and methods of natural insect control. 

For more information and list of locations >

Posted in author: Debra, grow your own | Print | No Comments »

March 23, 2010 by Debra.

From Food For Maine’s Future, an opportunity to help preserve genetic diversity through traditional corn varieties:

Corn Seed Collaborative

Interested in preserving genetic diversity and traditional corn varieties in Maine? Food for Maine’s Future is looking for experienced farmers and gardeners to grow open pollinated varieties of corn for us. Please contact Bob St.Peter if you are interested.

Posted in author: Debra, food security | Print | No Comments »

March 23, 2010 by Heather.

Dr. Tomato will be giving a number of presentations in the coming weeks. On April 21st, he will be at the Barrington Library at 6:30 p.m. with the Barrington Bloomers. Tomatoes are high on the list of discussion, but all questions are welcome. This get together is open to the public.

On April 10th and April 24th he will be at Blue Seal in Rochester from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Any and all subjects will be the topic. Come learn how to use low tunnels, an inexpensive and highly effective way to extend your growing season.

To learn more about Dr. Tomato and his organic gardening, visit his website, www.healtyhomeharvest.com. You can also read back issues of his biweekly newsletter and sign up for the e-mail list.  

Posted in author: Heather, learning | Print | No Comments »