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We had a wonderful time at Moonwater Farm's Open House event yesterday. There was a farm tour, potluck lunch, and a DIY Bath Salts Workshop by our very own Ann (Lovetree Essentials). It was a wonderful day of sharing, learning, and lots of laughs.
To plan a visit to Moonwater Farm, visit their website here.
Photo Credit: Kathleen Blakistone, Moonwater Farm
When you add food scraps and yard waste to soil – it’s what is called compost. Compost is added to soil and works as a natural fertilizer to help plants grow healthy and strong. There are many benefits of composting, one of which: sustainability. Making compost keeps organic waste out of landfills where they release methane and lowers your carbon footprint. It also leads to healthier soil as it helps soil retain moisture and helps suppress plant diseases as well as insects.
To get started- create a compost bin and fill your bin with a balance mix of grass and green yard waste and “brown” materials like leaves and paper as well as food waste. Turn your pile regularly as often as you can- it helps it compost faster. It’s important to NEVER add the following to your compost bin: meat, bones, fish, plastic, oil, fat, any kind of feces, diseased plants, diapers, and cat litter. It is not recommended to add grains, nuts, and cooked food as it takes a long time to break down.
When do you know your compost is ready? You’ll find a layer of good compost at the bottom of the bin, add this to your garden weeks before you plant so the soil can absorb all the nutrients. Let us know how your composting goes!
Urban Farming 101: Q&A with Kathleen Blakistone from Moonwater Farm
1. Why did you start Moonwater Farm?
We originally bought the property in Compton to start an Aquaponic greenhouse growing operation. We changed directions slightly when we began to meet the urban youth of South Los Angeles who appreciated the farm experience. Today we offer school visits and workshops for all ages on sustainable food growing, healthy cooking, and partner with community members who make art, music or use the place for fundraising events.
2. What is an urban micro farm?
Our micro farm is in a neighborhood zones Residential Ag which allows residents to raise livestock, board horses and grow food commercially. We have Angora and Nigerian Dwarf goats, horses and chickens as well as row crops, a small Aquaponic system and a permaculture food forest growing on our lot.
3. What types of programs do you offer?
We offer school visits with hands on workshops in seeds, food growing, soil science and composting. We also host quarterly open houses with a farm your and pot luck lunch. Various workshops and events for adults are offered throughout the year and have included Iyengar yoga, mindful cooking, and food preservation. We also host music evenings and fundraisers by request. The property is available for events.
Summer camp is offered for 6 weeks during the summer and offers youth a host if activities throughout the week.
4. How do kids benefit from your summer camp?
Youth benefit from summer camp through hands in learning about urban agriculture - we ask an answer questions about hat is healthy food, what makes us healthy as individuals and what makes a healthy earth? We pay close attention to soil science, organic food growing and yummy food preparation
5. Are there special workshops that adults can take? How can people contact you?
We offer adult workshops and continue to grow our community with whom we can learn with. We have a mailing list people can join through our website contact form.
For more information visit Moonwater Farm's website or check out their Facebook page.
