By Sherry Laskey
Langston University, Oklahoma State University, and The Noble Research Institute will be presenting its Market Gardening School at Langston Tulsa on Saturdays from March to October. The actual classes (8) will be held once a month on Saturdays 9:00 to 1:00pm. These classes are to familiarize current and future fresh market producers with management, production, and marketing techniques for fresh produce. Class schedule is as follows:
1st Saturday, March 16-Getting Started Season Extension
2nd Saturday, April 13-Fertility Management and Drip Irrigation
3rd Saturday, May 11-Fruit Production
4th Saturday, June 8-Crop Establishment Warm Season Vegetables
5th Saturday, July 13-Pest Management
6th Saturday, August 10-Marketing and Food Safety
7th Saturday, September 14-Wildlife-Control and Risk Management
8th Saturday, October 12-Winter Cover Crops and Overwintering Vegetables
This class is open to anyone interested in learning how to grow food and how to market fresh produce. Neighborhood Associations located in the following zip codes are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity: 74106, 74110, 74126, 74127, and 74130. The cost of the class is $50 per person or $70 per couple (handouts must be shared per couple) some scholarships/partial scholarships are available those individuals living in the above zip codes. Handouts included with registration: each sessions notes, Fact Sheets, and Oklahoma’s Guide to Growing Fruits, Nuts, and Vegetables Handbook.
(If interested in scholarship please email Deanne at TulsaUrbanHarvest2019@gmail.com and state how you plan to grow food in your neighborhood.)
There are nearly 300 acres of vacant lots located in Tulsa County? Many of those lots are overgrown with grass during the summer months. During the fall people dump tree clippings, logs, and other yard debris on those vacant lots. Imagine; your Neighborhood Association, you, or a group of friends decided to plant a vacant lot filled with beautiful wild flowers, sun flowers, or Lady Fingers (OKRA)! Think about the possibilities. You could feed your family, you could address some of the health disparities in your community, and you could create jobs! You could sale your extra produce at your local farmers market or to your neighbors. Think of the possibilities. If you have a green thumb, beginning grower, or want to participate in your local farmers market as a grower; then this is the class for you.
We have to go back to making something out of nothing. Most of the time; what we label as nothing is actually gold waiting to be discovered. All you have to do is be willing to put a little work and have the faith of a mustard seed. Lets’ grow our own food this year.
