Farm education

Most people understand the complexity of a garden or farm.  There are some, however, who assume that no special knowledge is required.  Instead, they take it for granted that anyone can go into a field successfully plant a crop and bring it to harvest.  They assume humans are born with an innate ability to grow things.

For those of us who know better and want to learn how to grow plants, there are many options.  I envy Liesbeth’s opportunity as a teen to attend a specialized horticultural program in Holland. 

The study of sustainable agriculture practices has expanded over the years to include not just hands-on skills but also concepts from the fields of sociology, environmental science and economics.  The new field of agroecology includes both the practices and principles of sustainable food production and distribution. The  University of California at Santa Cruz has pioneered in the field since the early 1970's. A two acre garden named after Alan Chadwick began as a vibrant project to showcase organic gardening techniques.  The university now offers both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Sara, a recent garden apprentice, is studying agroecology at the University of New Hampshire. I wish could drop thirty years and go back to school!  

For adult learners, Master Gardener Programs are available in all states, usually through a university extension program.  These programs combine serious classroom training with hands-on experience. 

Personally, I avoided garden/farming classes.  Instead, I scoured books and internet sources for information and watched the results of my own handiwork.  I became an unofficial scientist, setting up tests and watching for results.

The accumulated literacy of a small farm is often passed from one generation to the next, usually from father to son.  A local farmer, John Davis, kept annual logs of his plantings and weather observations.  Those records are held as treasures at the Stonington Historical Society. Mr. Davis, no doubt, also explained his methods to his sons as they worked together in the fields.  Whenever someone visit my garden, I feel compelled to pass on what I have learned.  For years, I have raised flowers with a sense of passion and observation, always recording successes and failures.  I have added much to my repertoire and want to pass it along.