One Song Farm Presents Novice & Master Gardening Workshop
Lisa and Sun at their farm Kumu Aina which means “land as teacher”. Daniel Lane photo
Sunday, May 19
The Garden as Teacher workshop
9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Kilauea, $36, cash only
Lisa and Sun’s 30 years of combined knowledge of growing organically in the Hawaiian islands will help unlock the mysteries of Kauai soils and offer an opportunity for others to become better food growers.
Geared for novice and experienced gardeners, Lisa Fuller debuts instructing those new to bio-intensive gardening, while Sun simultaneously offers a master class to the professional farmer and gardener.
Lisa’s Bio-Intensive Gardening for the Novice includes:
* Building healthy soil
* Creating quality compost
* Bed prepping and gardening maintenance
* Selecting plant varieties
* Rotating crops
* Growing and caring for baby plants
* Basic fertilizing
* Insects as teachers
Organically grown romaine lettuce from One Song Farm. Daniel Lane photo
Sun invites experienced gardeners and commercial ag people to participate in a workshop focusing on transitioning to organic. “We have an opportunity at this time to share methods on how to convert old depleted plantation soil to support organic food production. For example, 1/4 acre of organic cabbage can bring in over $50,000 per year using these methods. The key is quality organic soil. Once you have quality organic soil, there’s no need for poisons.”
Sun’s Master Gardening for the Professional includes:
* Transitioning to organic
* Addressing soil residues
* Creating quality compost
* Re-mineralizing soils
* Cover-cropping to reduce non-beneficial nematodes
* Selecting plant varieties for success
* Using organic fertilizers
* Enjoying insects
Throughout both presentations, they will teach their unique bio-intensive fuel-free, machine-free method of organic gardening. They go beyond organic using a low-tech way to grow food using a small space. Growing our own food is essential for achieving sustainability on Kauai.
Bio-intensive methods are an inexpensive, easily implemented, sustainable production model that’s an alternative to chemical and fossil-fuel-based forms of agriculture. As an organic agricultural model, bio-intensive gardening produces big yields from small spaces, improves fertility, and is a great option for backyard gardeners. The goal of this method is long-term sustainability and its use has been successful on small-scale commercial farms.
Come prepared to be in sun or rain. Bring drinking water, a hat, sunscreen, rain gear and snacks. No strong perfumes, animals or cigarettes, please. For directions and registration, call 808-635-3020.