So Long Summer, Hello September

Community Update September 2017

Course Updates

Students transplanting beets after preparing the bed at Rise & Root Farm in Chester, NY

Recent Courses

As summer begins to fade, we're learning how to care for crops and extend the growing season. Over the past month, our students examined insect & fungal pests, prepared home-brewed pest repellents, visited Rise & Root farm in Chester, NY, and built and installed a low tunnel at Earth Matter.

Student Reflection: Plant Health

"I learned a great deal about insect pests in particular and many methods of dealing with them naturally. One of the best things about this course was that it was so hands on. We each got a chance to create a natural pesticide and actually use it at a garden. Having us research and make natural pesticides was an excellent way to retain the knowledge. I also appreciated all the resources that Peggy provided by way of books, handouts, and emails."

- Shanet Norris, Citywide Student

What's Next?

In September, our Preparing for Winter course will cover seed saving, garlic planting, garden clean-up and tool storage, cover-cropping basics (varieties, sowing methods and planting calendar) as well as food preservation techniques.

Wednesday, Sept 13, 6-9pm

Saturdays, Sept 16, 23, & 30, 10am-4pm

Starting in October, our Small Farm Planning and Design course will focus on practical elements of garden and urban farm design, business planning 101, beginner marketing concepts and program planning. In addition, learn about asset-based community mapping, and the value of record keeping for your community garden, urban farm, or food-related business.

Oct 18 - Nov 18

Wednesdays 6-9pm

Saturdays, 10am-2pm

Registration available in October

Zooming Out: Regional Politics

During the NOFA Conference in August, we sat in on the Domestic Fair Trade Meeting to learn about regional initiatives in the Northeast. We heard from a number of organizations like the Agricultural Justice Project , Migrant Justice , Red Tomato , CATA , and Fair Trade USA , working towards fair labor practices through food justice certification, farm worker involvement, and labeling . It's important to uplift the work of these organizations and advance fair labor initiatives in our region. Find our more about Migrant Justice's Milk With Dignity campaign with Ben & Jerry's.

Certificate Program Applications

Applications for our Certificate Programs are still open! If you, or someone you know, are interested in joining Farm School NYC, find out more here before applications close on September 30.