Homegrown: Not a Lot of Plot

The following is from Deb Engmark of Brucemore, the Indian Creek Nature Center and Linn County Master Gardeners:

 For many Midwest gardeners, January is a time to dream about the beautiful gardens to be sown while poring over the daily arrivals of seed catalogs. The month is filled with visions of beautiful flowers and fantasies of abundant harvests. But before you get too involved in the planning process, set the catalogs aside for a day and head to Indian Creek Nature Center for a day-long discussion on various aspects related to backyard agriculture.

 Co-hosted by Brucemore and Indian Creek Nature Center, the second annual “Not a Lot of Plot” seminar will focus on the practices and processes behind small sustainable crop production. A plethora of individuals and experts will be there to share information on their experience producing flowers and food in their own backyards or on small lots.  David Bullwinkle, the keynote speaker and an associate professor of philosophy and humanities at Kirkwood Community College, will talk about contrasts between industrial food systems and local food systems. Throughout the day, there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and share personal experiences.

 Just when you thought you knew what you were going to grow and where the growing will occur, January 14

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's “Not a Lot of Plot” will make you aspire to an even more productive growing season than you have ever imagined.

 Back for a second year, Not A Lot Of Plot focuses on backyard sustainability.  Presented jointly by Indian Creek Nature Center and Brucemore, this day-long workshop will provide valuable information and insight into how individuals and families can produce their own food no matter how small the yard.

Join us on Saturday, January 14th at Indian Creek Nature Center. Doors open at 9AM (bring your own brown bag lunch – beverages available).  The fee is $25 for ICNC or Brucemore members; $30 for all others.  Seating is limited so make your reservation now! Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.

Here's our program:

9:30 AM     Raised Bed Gardening with Deb Walser, Master Gardener

No space for a garden? You can plant enough vegetables in a 4'x4' garden to feed two people for a season or a family of four, using just 4'x8' in space! Hate the weeding and bug control? Having trouble getting up from the ground? Raised bed gardening is for you. Pass on the fun of gardening to your children and grandchildren. Deb Walser has been gardening in raised beds for fifteen years. Come see her gardens and learn.

10:20 AM   Seed Starting with Zora Ronan

Learn how to successfully start garden transplants at home with a minimum amount of equipment.

10:50 AM  Cold Frames with Deb Engmark, Brucemore Head Gardener

Cold frames provide multiple functions for many gardeners. Learn how to use and site a cold frame to maximize your garden.

11:15 AM    Chickens as Garden Helpers with Rebecca Mumaw, CR-CLUC

In addition to producing one of the highest quality proteins in Nature, chickens have skill sets that can lighten your gardening load. Chickens are stealth insecticiders, broad spectrum herbiciders, compost spreaders and fertilizer producers. The results are completely organic and require no additional fuel or electricity. Learn how to incorporate a few hens into your gardening routines to make lighter work with a more healthful result.

11:45 AM   Lunch

12:15 PM   Think Globally, Grow Locally: Ethics and Food Production with Dr. David Bullwinkle

Our keynote speaker, Dr. David Bullwinkle, was born in New Jersey and was raised there and in Denver, Colorado.  He earned a BA from Brown University in 1989, and a PhD in philosophy from Northwestern University in 2000.  Since 2003, he has taught at Kirkwood Community College, where he is an associate professor of philosophy and humanities.  He tends a small plot in his backyard and enjoys canning and pickling produce from his own garden and the Iowa City Farmer's Market and sharing it with his family and friends. David will present some of the main contrasts between industrial and local food systems, with emphasis on how each affects individuals, ecosystems and communities.

1:30 PM   Honey Bees and Native Pollinators with Jean Wiedenheft, ICNC Land Steward and Beekeeper

Honey bees often get all the credit but a diversity of native pollinators do the work to make your gardening efforts successful. Learn how to attract, shelter and encourage both honey bees and native pollinators.

2:05 PM   Vermiculture/Composting with Wil Carew, Master Gardener

Ever wondered, “What am I going to do with all this yard and kitchen waste?” The answer is composting! Discover what it is, what types of bins are available, how it's made, what you can put in it, where do you put it and why you should use it. Vermi-composting with red wigglers will also be detailed.