High 59 Low 34 The sky was clear blue.
The weather was at a record high for February in Western Washington. The warm air and the bright blue in the sky felt lovely. It was a perfect weekend for having the SongCroft Self-Sufficiency Skills School Classes.
The first year course participants were on the land on Saturday and the second year participants were on the land on Sunday. It was busy and fun.
The first year group spent the day learning about starting their own seeds. We discussed why they would want to start seeds of their own, different techniques for starting the seed and how they would transplant the seed. They planted their own seed trays to bring home and care for as well as potted up some seedlings I had started in advance. It was a very fun day. We had a good sized group but what warmed my heart the most was that my twelve-year-old daughter decided to join the class and start seeds for her own garden. She grows a small vegetable garden each year so learning to start her own seed will build upon those skills she is already cultivating. These skills are part of our legacy.
The second-year course participants, learned about setting fence posts, espalier trees and greenhouses. I demonstrated how to train young fruit tree branches to grow against a fence to create a two-dimensional tree and walked the land showing which wild greens were ready for harvest.
I feel fortunate to be in a place to share the things I know well with others. Life is very good.
Some of our course participants were interested in learning more about the world seed bank. Follow the link for more information.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/02/26/norway.seeds/index.html
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Yeah, I am getting lots of phone calls and emails from folks who took pour class last weekend. They are excited that their seedlings are popping up. The excitement in their voices is awesome!
My husband Stef and I are in the first year apprenticeship, and this week we have been diligently tending our seedlings. It took 2-3 days for them to germinate. Stef created a frame for our seedling light out of PVC pipe. Since our seeds sprouted, we have been watering them and sending them our love and good juju. Many of them are starting to sprout their true leaves, and most likely we will be able to repot them this week.
Our seedlings that we repotted are doing fabulous. Our kale has 2 big true leaves and is starting to sprout a 3rd. Our lettuce which was very leggy is coming back. We didn’t think it was going to make it because one of its leaves died…but it grew two more leaves and is looking stronger and more vigorous now.
I had always been intimidated by the process of starting seeds from scratch because our previous attempts have always ended in failure. But Marilene took us through the foundation of seed starting, and she explained the different “problems” that could occur when starting seed and the “whys” behind it. So this year, we ensured that we had enough light and enough water…and mother nature did the rest. I feel more empowered knowing that I am on the path of learning how to grow food to feed myself and my family. We both feel confident that our seedlings will do well this year, and we look forward to eating food this year that we have grown ourselves.
With love,
Corinna & Stef
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