The sun is out, the crops are thriving, and the Ecolibrium3 Urban Farm is in full swing. From record harvests and community events to pest management and upcoming workshops, there is never a dull moment at the farm this time of year. Here is a look at what has been happening and what is coming up next!
More than 140 pounds of fresh produce have been produced at the Ecolibrium3 Urban Farm over the last couple of weeks! Best of all, this fresh produce is going directly back into the community through the Sidewalk Samples events at LNPK Grocery, happening Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m., until supplies last.
While the warm weather has helped our crops thrive, it has also attracted a few unwanted visitors. Farms provide ideal habitat for pests because they offer plenty of food, regular water, and warm growing conditions, so it’s normal to see insects and mammals enjoying the occasional snack from our crops. Luckily, the urban farm has not seen too many pests this year–knock on wood! The most persistent insects we’ve spotted are white cabbage moths flying around the farm. If left unchecked, they lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves in the brassica vegetable family, like broccoli, kale, and kohlrabi. Once the eggs hatch, the cabbage worms feed on the leaves, leaving large holes throughout our brassica crops. We’ve also had a few visits from rabbits nibbling on our flowers. To manage these pests as ethically as possible, we use insect netting to protect brassicas and install rabbit fencing.
If you’d like to sample our fresh, locally grown produce, we invite you to our Summer Sampler on Saturday, August 1, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The Summer Sampler is a free summer open house where guests can explore the farm and taste the seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown on site. Visitors can also learn how fresh food is produced for our community through guided tours and meeting the people who grow your food. There will also be yard games and fun activities for kids. To receive a reminder before the event, please fill out this interest form!
Curious about how we keep our summer crops growing strong? We’ll be sharing some of our favorite techniques in an upcoming workshop. Join us on Saturday, July 18, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for a free, one-hour workshop to learn how to properly trellis tomatoes and vining cucumbers to save space and increase yields. We’ll demonstrate simple, effective pruning techniques that will improve air circulation, prevent disease, and help focus plant energy on fruit production. Registration is required.
There is a lot to look forward to at the Ecolibrium3 Urban Farm as the season continues to unfold. From managing pests to maximizing harvests, every week brings new lessons and new opportunities to connect our community with fresh, locally grown food. Whether you join us at a Sidewalk Sample, come out for the Summer Sampler on August 1, or sharpen your gardening skills at our trellising and pruning workshop on July 25, there is something here for everyone this summer. We hope to see you at the farm!