Posted by arthur1234 on January 30, 2012
ODAFF Market Coordinator Micah Anderson prepares plasticulture beds.
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) will host its sixth annual workshop for plasticulture farmers on Feb. 11 at the Moore Norman Technology Center, 13301 S Pennsylvania Ave. in Oklahoma City. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by workshops from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The modest $10 fee includes lunch.
Farmers who use the plasticulture method of raised-bed gardening may not farm many acres, but this year’s theme shows that they are “World Class Innovators.” Program coordinator Micah Anderson will give a brief overview of how the plasticulture program works and show slides of vegetable gardens across the state using this technology to produce bountiful crops.
Presenters will share their own innovations and demonstrate equipment and methods they use to maintain productive gardens. Innovations include a new strain of okra, a waterwheel transplanter and surrounding plants with organic clay to protect them from extreme temperatures. Practical help from soil and vegetable specialists will describe composting, soil enrichment with cover crops, irrigation strategies and pumpkins that can be grown successfully on plastic.
Awards will be presented to the best Marketer, Innovator and Farmer/Grower of the Year. Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese, who farms in north central Oklahoma, will present the awards.
Anyone interested in learning more about this farming technique is welcome to attend. Please RSVP no later than Feb. 7 to Ashley Carroll at (405) 522-4330. Late registration after Feb. 7 and at the door will be $15 per person.
