Workshops 2019

WORKSHOPS 2019 - Just In!
In addition to THE PROMISE OF BIODYNAMICS I’ve added a few other workshops to the Know Your Roots calendar. Each workshop leads beautifully into the other so by the end of the summer you’ve got some rich fertility at your very own hands and with enough knowledge so that you’ll never need to leave the farm again. One of the best parts is that I’ve changed the pricing structure for my workshops to allow greater accessibility for those with limited funds. The dates are firm, all workshops except THE PROMISE will be held from 10am to 3pm at Apostrophe Orchard, Hector, NY (don’t Google it, they don’t even know about it). We’ll send out directions later.

Jun 1-2 – THE PROMISE OF BIODYNAMICS – Life has been a little more hectic than I would have preferred so far this year, but after a few fits and starts, I’ve finally settled on the dates to hold the 2019 biodynamic workshop. See the description below for more detail. Cost $150 (suggested) -> $35 (minimum). Location 6031 Brook Road, Trumansburg, NY 14886.

June 29 – BIOCHAR – hand’s on demonstration of how to make your very own biochar. We’ll dig the pit, gather the material, start the fire, and put it out together as we make one of the most amazing materials I’ve come across for improving orchard fertility. Last summer I participated inn my first ever biochar ritual where we made some amazing biochar from grapevine prunings. The quantity of material could last an entire season (easily) and can be incorporated into so many different fertility regimes it ain’t funny. Cost $45 (suggested) -> $20 (minimum).

July 20 – JOHNSON-SU COMPOST BIOREACTOR/INDIGENOUS MICROBES – yet another hand’s on demonstration for building and utilizing the Johnson-Su bioreactor at your home farm or orchard. The Johnson-Su bioreactor is a fairly simple and efficient way to make compost from yard waste and debris. We’ll build and fill one bioreactor as the primary portion of the workshop. We will have two others operational and in various states of decomposition (one started in April, another in May) so everyone can see the stages. Bring a bag or bucket and you’ll be able to take some compost home with you! As an added bonus, there will be a short demonstration for making for your own bokashi for harvesting and propagating indigenous microbes to use in your in compost and compost teas. Cost $45 (suggested) -> $20 (minimum).

Aug 3 – ORGANIC FERTILI-TEAS – another hand’s on demonstration for making and applying aerated and semi-anaerobic plant-based, compost teas. Not only we will demonstrate the making of various compost and plant teas, but we’ll talk about what plants to use, how to use compost and IMOs for more fertility, and even work in some biochar. There’ll be some science mixed with lots of fun. Cost $45 (suggested) -> $20 (minimum).

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

- I've been inspecting a few apple orchards in the Hudson Valley and though we are still a ways off from any major events, its obvious that buds are swelling and the time is ripe to get things in tip -top shape and ready for the season. Some growers may begin this weekend with delayed dormant oil and copper sprays.

- Apples - currently at delayed dormant to silver tip in the Hudson Valley.

- Sweet Cherries - are at First Swelling in the Hudson Valley.

- Peaches, Tart Cherries, European plums - are still very dormant, though there is some swelling in earlier varieties.

- Apricots and Japanese Plums - are starting to show some color, though there still isn't any green showing. Apricots are furthest along and with the warm temperatures expected this weekend, I suspect that things will change significantly in a week's time.

- Blueberries - significant swelling but no green. Again the warm temperatures predicted should change everything by next week.

Except for this week, Degree Day charts for apples will be published every Monday morning. As things progress, I'll alert everyone to impending phenological and pest events that may trigger management decisions for your orchard. I will also report on the current stage of development for stone fruits and grapes as the season progresses. Here's to hoping that spring comes slowly and we're able to get through bloom with no major issues.

1-2 June - The Promise of Biodynamics (Trumansburg, NY)

29 June - Biochar (Hector, NY), 10-3 @ Apostrophe Orchard

20 July - Johnson-Su Compost Bioreactor/Indigenous Microbes (Hector, NY), 10-3 @ Apostrophe Orchard

3 Aug - Organic Fertili-Teas (Hector, NY), 10-3 @ Apostrophe Orchard

10 August - Biodynamic Workshop: Focus on the Preps (HJ Wiemer)

The Promise of Biodynamics - 2019
*PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE*
1-2 June 2019, 10am-3pm
Know Your Roots, 6031 Brook Road, Trumansburg, NY

* Last year we discussed the Promise of Biodynamics broadly as it applies to orchards and vineyards. This year we’ll delve deeper into specific practices and aspects, including the planetary influences on plant and preps, the nature of a closed system farm, and energy systems. Of course, we will cover the basics on Day 1 to give everyone a background on the history and practices of biodynamics. However, we will quickly move to a detailed discussion of specific concepts and practices. This year’s course will be divided into two days and lunch will NOT be provided as part of the cost.

Cost $150 (suggested) -> $35 (minimum). Location 6031 Brook Road, Trumansburg, NY 14886.