3317 Virginia Ave
St Louis, MO 63118
Topic: How No-Till and Mulching Retain Water at Peak Summer Heat without Irrigation
When the summer heat hits, maintaining soil moisture is imperative to keeping your plants alive and healthy. So how does that work when you don’t have irrigation on your farm? Join us as Kelsey Power of Charleston Power Family Garden shows us the benefits of mulching and no-till practices to retain water and help your plants beat the summer heat and thrive.
Light snacks and refreshments will be available following the Field Day.
Field Day Highlights:
- Highlighting select tree, vine, shrub, and herb species that do well using rainfall alone
- Timing annuals for rainfall needs
- Benefits of diversifying your crops for a changing climate
- Interplanting different species for small space growing
- Demonstration of a quick wire and stakes setup for storing fall leaves
- Weed management strategies
About Charleston Power Family Garden:
Charleston Power Family Garden was started in 2009 with a dream of planting a family orchard. In 2014, it became a business offering fruits, herbs, edible and cut flowers, and vegetables. Charleston Power Family Garden is an urban orchard and farm on two city lots, utilizing compost and mulch to sequester carbon and maintain soil moisture in order to grow without irrigation, working toward soil improvement every season. Being good urban neighbors, there are designated areas left undisturbed for insect and wildlife use.
NRCS Programs:
NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers integrate conservation practices into their operations. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program provides producers with financial assistance to implement conservation practices to improve water and air quality, conserve ground and surface water, increase soil health, reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, improve or create wildlife habitat, and mitigate drought and increasing weather volatility.
Microgrants:
Farmers who attend this Field Day are eligible to apply for a microgrant.
Known & Grown will provide reimbursement up to $300 to cover or offset expenses related to no-till implementation or management, including mulching. Examples of allowable expenses include tools important to no-till production, mulch, and supplies for mulch production. Microgrant recipients may request a 30-minute phone conversation with farmer Kelsey Power to discuss their project. Additional details will be provided during the event, and a link will be shared via email for all attendees following the event.
All Known & Grown Field Days occur rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and the terrain. Many Field Days include walking through tall grasses or fields, on uneven or muddy surfaces, around equipment and in a range of weather conditions.
We recommend that you bring:
- Close-toed shoes (comfortable for walking)
- Sun protection (cap or hat, sunscreen)
- Water bottle
- Rain jacket or poncho (depending on the forecast)
- Personal snacks (While we will try to accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions, we cannot guarantee this at every event.)
- Your family (Children are welcome with adults! Please be mindful of the potential dangers on a working farm, including electric fence, difficult terrain, animals and equipment.)
Please DO NOT bring:
- Dogs or other pets (service dogs, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are permitted)
- Professional camera or recording equipment, photos for personal use are acceptable
- Promotional materials or solicitations, unless you are invited to do so
Parking:
Non-metered street parking is available
Restrooms:
No restroom on-site, restrooms available at nearby store or gas station
Mobility, Accessibility, & Other Considerations:
- You will experience uneven surfaces for walking.
- Rain prior to the event may cause the ground to be muddy.
- Collapsible stools are available for mobile seating.
- Cooling neck fans are available for temperature regulation.
- For larger crowds, a mic and portable speaker will be used.
Children:
Children are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian. Note in your registration if you intend to bring any kids along.
Questions?
Please contact Serena: Serena@GatewayFarmers.org or 314.561.7010 Ext 2
The Field Day series is supported by:
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines
Field Day Registration
Please complete a separate registration for each adult attending.