January/February 2007 Edition
Feature Article - January
"...We must become the growers of nutritious food by allowing the plants to fulfill their full nutritional value through our careful tending of their needs. Growing nutritious Good Food, not just plants to eat is our objective."
January 1: We start off 2007 with a feature by Ryan Albinger, in which he reminds us of the all-to-often forgotten connection between our food and its source. As agriculturalists, the goal of our endeavors is not just to grow healthy plants, but healthy food; he shares is wisdom and insight in: "Feeding the Plant, Nourishing the Body"
Feature Article - February
"Grow lights have been used to aid germination and growth in plants for decades. The common household light bulb we used beside our seed trays each spring have been replaced by much more effective bulbs."
February 5: In February, Robin Follette addresses a critical topic for anyone growing in far northern (or southern) climes. Whether it's starting tomatoes in March or keeping your winter houseplants thriving, learn what you need about floral illumination in: "Grow Lights"
Heavy Horses - February
"I had an eye-opening experience with my horse, Jake, a couple weeks ago. In a matter of less than a minute, I discovered the result of our years of hard work together. More than any planned training exercise, what happened that day illuminated our relationship with stunning clarity."
February 12: Kate Scarlott shares a wonderful story in this month's Heavy Horses that illuminates the incredible relationship between working horses and their owners, and the trying circumstances that prove such relationships, in: "Jake Is No Runaway"
CSA Farmer - January
"...But what about those of us who count on our gardens or fields for a steady income?... Winter can be a hard time for those of us without the rest of the farm to count on."
January 8: In January, Heather Grant looks at the "dark" side of the year for the grower trying to make ends meet when the earth is sleeping, in: "Community Supported Ag: The Winter Months"
Backyard Gardener - January
"I grow enough extra vegetables to fatten an occasional rabbit lucky enough to slip through my defense -- 'da fence' is an eight-foot high, chain-link barricade resting on a short stone wall with a strip of chicken wire along the bottom, installed the year I lost everything to a family of hungry whitetails."
January 15: This month Keith Bellinger addresses the perennial dilemma of how to keep our wildlife neighbors from devouring the fruits our labors without firing a shot. You don't have to kill Peter Cottontail to save your carrots; get some tips in: "Wildlife Prevention"
Backyard Gardener - February
"...I remember when it was my turn to walk over with an empty jug and fifty cents I would enter the milk house and stand on tip-toes to peer through the window into the parlor. I would see the farmer busy with the cows and rather than bother him I’d fill my jug and leave the money on the bulk tank."
February 19: In February, we get an intimate look at an old-time small dairy farmer through the compassionate eyes of Keith Bellinger. Heard the stories of an old dairy farmer in your neck of the woods? Some of this may sound familiar: "Small Town Farmer"
Flower Gardener - February
"I imagine many of us begin to think of our plants as comrades in the winter months. Like a beloved pet, those not too large come indoors and spend more time with us."
February 18: In February, you will learn how to gracefully transition your plants indoors through the cold winter months in Jeannie Pierce's informative "Window Flower"
Market Farmer - January
"...When I first started selling produce from my market garden I didn’t give much thought to selling. Yes, I did want customers to pay for my produce, but I didn’t really understand the whole invoicing process."
January 22: In January, Michael Brown guides us through his system of dealing with the finances. Check out his perspective on the business side of growing in: "Collecting Money From Your Customers"
Market Farmer - February
"Imagine walking around with a hidden treasure that everyone wants to buy. The only problem is that nobody knows you have it so no one can approach you to give you money."
February 26: Michael Brown brings us February's column, giving good advice on wholesaling your vegetable wares. Discover your treasures - and how to sell them - in: "Selling to Restaurants"