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Working together toward local sustainability - integrating economy, ecology and community via action and education |
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Contact: Tinker Cavallaro at 379-2882 or tinker.cavallaro@gmail.com
The question is: What staple crops (grains, legumes and seeds) can grow here in Port Townsend without irrigation?
The land owner, Ian Keith, approved a plan to cultivate approximately 5 acres in town donated for agricultural use. The land is located above Collinwood Farm between F St. and Tremont, and has been fallow for many years. At this point 1 acre has been plowed, disced, and planted.
The vision involves trial plantings of different grains, legumes and seeds to find out what does well in our soils, climate and with little or no added water. There is need to research ways that we can locally and sustainably grow staple crops such as grains, legumes and seed crops.
The Quimper Penninsula receives very little rain. We also have fairly sandy soils, low in organic matter. Through these trials, we will start to ascertain which crops will produce reasonably, while in the process learn methods and varieties best suited for our conditions.
Many people have shown interest in the project. Kevin Murphy, PHD
researcher working with Steve Jones at WSU Extension in Mt Vernon, has assisted us with the wheat varieties to trial. We have also planted flax, camelina, spelt, barleys, buckwheat, oats, quinoa, millet, as well as naked seeded pumpkins, potatoes, sunflower seeds, and corn. Next year we hope to include fava beans, dry beans, and soup peas.
A community event is planned in conjunction with the Fall Farm Tour on
September 20th.
North Olympic Peninsula's Local 20/20, Port Townsend and surrounding communities
Working together toward local sustainability - integrating economy, ecology and community through action and education.
Working together toward local sustainability - integrating economy, ecology and community through action and education.
Web site space donated by OlympusNet
Additional thanks to:
WSU Main Homepage, WSU Extension and County Extension Offices,
the Agricultural Research Center, CAHNRS, and the North Olympic Learning Center
Looking for more information? Send us an Email
Additional thanks to:
WSU Main Homepage, WSU Extension and County Extension Offices,
the Agricultural Research Center, CAHNRS, and the North Olympic Learning Center
Looking for more information? Send us an Email
