Farming 102: Discovering Our Roots - All You Can Beet

Sat Jul 02 2022 at 10:00 am to 04:00 pm

Wild Willow Farm | San Diego

Wild Willow Farm
Publisher/HostWild Willow Farm
Farming 102: Discovering Our Roots - All You Can Beet
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The second class of our Farming 102 course focuses on the beet, daisy, sweet potato, and okra families.
About this Event

To purchase your ticket please click on the date you wish to attend. If you want to attend all five classes and get our discount you can purchase the bundle by clicking on any of the five classes. Go to the ticket page and choose the option for all classes.

FARMING 102: DISCOVERING OUR ROOTS

The plants we eat contain fascinating and endless stories of development as a civilization. In these Discovering Our Roots courses we'll discuss how plants have lured us in to unknowingly become their dedicated caretakers. As caretakers, we've learned volumes of wisdom pertaining to the cultivation of these life-giving foods. We'll discuss the specifics required to confidently cultivate the varied food crops that grow abundantly in our unique environment. We'll also attempt to clear up the murky topic of hybrid, open-pollinated, heirloom, land race and GMO crops while contemplating the question: Who really domesticated who?

Our Farming 102 classes are offered individually or sold as a package. Each of the 5 classes includes classroom time and hands-on field labs at Wild Willow Farm, where many of these crops are being grown. Students will be taken on a plant family journey learning the history of the plant and are instructed step by step from starting your seeds/plants, maintenance, and harvesting. Topics include the level of care required, level of fertility, watering needs, common pests and diseases, and yield. Special attention will be paid to seasonality, as students identify the appropriate season for specific crops. 

Led by farmer Paul Maschka, a highly respected seasoned farmer and instructor in holistic agriculture. You are sure to learn a great deal no matter what your experience level is!

Class #2: All You Can Beet

Daisy:The Aster family has about 23,600 species and includes many healing plants and herbs such as arnica, burdock, chamomile, chicory, dandelions, lettuce, artichoke, dandelion, marigolds, sunflowers, and yarrow to name just a few.

Beets:Beets have an extensive history and were said to have grown in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. They contain a substance called geosmin, which is responsible for that fresh soil scent in your garden following a spring rain. Although they come in other colors, betalains is what creates that deep red color and is rich in antioxidants. Originally, humans ate only the beet greens, the root part of the beet was cultivated for consumption in either Germany or Italy, first recorded in 1542. 

Sweet Potato:Originating from Latin America and part of the Morning Glory family, the sweet potato was not found growing wild, but it had been cultivated by the Incan and pre-Incan races for thousands of years and they had developed many varieties. The Incans called it "batata" and that is apparently the origin of our word "potato". Health benefits include improving digestion, loads of vitamins, minerals, protein, treats inflammation, boots the immune system, relieves bronchial issues, antioxidants, reduce arthritis pain, treats stomach ulcers and more!

Okra:Related to cotton and other mallow family plants, okra is an ancient vegetable that originated in southern Ethiopia 2,000BCE. It provides thickness and savory goodness in the one-pot stews that are the basis of many traditional African diets. Great in rice and stews! It contains potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, excellent for the heart, cardiovascular system, and high in fiber and antioxidants. Okra has been suggested to help manage blood sugar in cases of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Activities
  • historic journey of the plant family
  • hands-on field lab at the farm analyzing our crops
  • learn how to seed, propagate, and harvest
  • care and soil needs
  • cooking demo and tasting samples of Wild Willow Farm's produce

You may select which classes to attend or purchase the 5-day discounted package:

Class #1: Brassica & Onion Families - June 25th

Class #2: Beet, Daisy, Sweet Potato, & Okra Families - July 2nd

Class #3: Squash & Carrot Family - July 9th

Class #4: Tomato & Bean Families - July 16th

Class #5: Grass & Mint Families - July 23rd

General Admission:$65 per class or $300 for all 5 classes  o make sure you purchase by 11:30PM the night before class! Space is not guaranteed if you have not purchased a ticket online.

For questions, please contact [email protected]

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Wild Willow Farm, 2550 Sunset Avenue, San Diego, United States

Tickets

USD 65.00 to USD 300.00

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