THE EDUCATIONAL FARM
At JOPPA HILL, Inc.
"Connecting Community to Land and Agriculture"
a 501 (c) 3 organization
OUR EDUCATIONAL GARDEN
Growing Partnership
The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill and New Horizons have joined into an agreement to donate locally-grown garden produce to needy families in southern New Hampshire.
This joint effort being conducted at the Educational Farm will enlist the help of volunteers from local church and civic organizations to help raise fresh fruits and vegetables, which will then be donated to the New Horizons Food Bank.
“This is the second year that the crops at the Educational Farm have been donated to local shelters and our goal is to grow and donate at least 1000 pounds of fresh foods to the needy. We’re looking forward to giving aid to those in need and to working with our new volunteers who are generously donating many hours of their time to make this happen.”, said Bob Fox, volunteer Master Gardener at the Farm.
Any who wish to assist us with this project are encouraged to call the Educational Farm for more information.
Both novice and experienced gardeners are welcome!
Grow Your Own
If you have been to the grocery store lately, I’m sure you noticed that the prices for basic foods have skyrocketed. Everything from rice to corn to wheat have gone up. Part of the cost increases are due to droughts in various parts of the world; Australia for example is experiencing a six year long drought in its rice producing region. Some of the cost increases are due to the diversion of some crops, like corn, into energy production while other increases are due to speculation.
This situation is not expected to be corrected in the short-run. I have been telling everyone I know to grow their own food this year to help save money. A family of four eats about $2500 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables each year. For the price of a few inexpensive packets of seeds, you can become much more self sufficient at a time when it is most needed.
Gardening is the #1 hobby in America and there is no time like the present to get your hands dirty and to help yourself and the environment at the same time. What you don’t want you can trade to your neighbors or donate to someone in need. Please consider growing some extra food and freezing it for use during the winter months. The UNH Family Home and Garden Center (603-629-9494) can assist you with the proper canning and freezing techniques for all foods.
The American Heritage Gardens
A new feature this year for the Educational Farm will be the American Heritage displays. Along with our expanded showcase of heirloom vegetables and plants will be plantings of American Elms and American Chestnut trees. These two species were invaluable to the early American colonists, providing wood for buildings and furniture, oils used for tanning and nuts which were a valuable food source for both people and wildlife. At one time, nearly every city in America had majestic Elms and Chestnuts gracing their streets and avenues, and “Elm Street” was synonymous with shady, peaceful neighborhoods.
However during the last century, the Dutch Elm Disease and the Chestnut Blight ravaged these two valuable species to the point of near extinction. The few specimens that survived have been cross-bred in recent years by dedicated researchers to enhance their survivability and the Educational Farm is proud to be a part of this effort to bring these two important species back to the American landscape.
It is believed that the Educational Farm is the only organization in New Hampshire undertaking this important project and we hope to have specimens of both the American Elms and Chestnut trees available for sale to the public in the next few years. Please take time to visit our the American Heritage Gardens this Spring!
This information provided by our volunteer
Master Gardener
Bob Fox.
The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill, Inc.
174 Joppa Hill Road
Bedford, NH 03110
(603) 472-4724
Info.EFJH@comcast.net
