Published on 02/18/14

Sustainable Ag workshop set for Griffin

University of Georgia Extension in Spalding County will host a spring workshop focusing on how to maximize production on small, sustainable farms and gardens and how to tap into local markets.

Set for March 6 from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Kiwanis Center in Griffin, the workshop is the second in a series being organized by Spalding County Extension agent Wade Hutcheson. Registration for the class is $5 and includes instruction, class materials and lunch.

Topics for the session include soil fertility and cover crops, organic disease management, vegetable selection and planting tips and an update on the local market. The course is designed for both gardeners who want to grow produce for their home use and those who want to sell their harvest.

Preregistration is required by March 3 by calling (770) 467-4225 or emailing uge2255@uga.edu.

Experts/Sources:

Wade Hutcheson

Sustainable farming techniques include adding nitrogen to garden plots by planting cover crops. Along with lupin and bidens, sunn hemp is being studied as a cover crop to add fertility to the soil and reduced the incidence of tomato spotted wilt virus. This is a Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education project.

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