Well, we are now rolling with the sprouts! I did my first harvest on Friday (May 22) and harvested much more than I expected. 12 trays gave me 78 bags!, which is 6.5 bags per tray – much more than the 4 I predicted. I sold 36 bags to local Read more…
Well, due to the overwhelming attention required of the sunflower project, I have to admit the no-till project is getting a bit neglected. But it is still proceeding nonetheless. But it is still going without me. I pulled off part of the tarp to take a look at the soil Read more…
Well, after a few test runs, which are still running, the system seems to be holding up pretty well. But there are a few glitches still – mostly in process, but a few infrastructure problems as well. As I am preparing the batches I am noticing little sources of potential Read more…
And we’re off. I have started my first batch of sprouts so we are officially in production. I did only 13 trays to start off with which I am going to sell in front of my house this Saturday. I will also approach some grocers to see about regular sales Read more…
Well, I have officially have one bench all ready to go. Now I just need to find someone to sell sprouts to. The first market is not until June 6 so I would like to do a few test runs before then. Perhaps to a few supermarkets or restaurants and Read more…
Well, after a reinvigorating week in Mexico, (cough, cough) I am back at it! Today I started with bench assembly. My friend Dale, who will be helping me with production was helping me build benches today. Before starting bench assembly we covered the sprouting area with bark mulch. The mulch Read more…
Well, The irrigation line to the sunflower and no-till area wen tin last week. I spent a day on a machine digging trenches and then had the Farm apprentices to help with the installation and filling of the trenches. Here is the water line leading to where the sprout harvest Read more…
I got my market dates confirmed yesterday and I will be doing at least 35 markets this year. I think I can! I think I can! I think I can! I had budgeted 40, but 35 is OK – and I will not have full production for all of them Read more…
Today, the first batch of seed arrived!! It was a bit crazy receiving these big bags of seeds today. I guess I really am committed to this project! I have not yet established a good storage space at the farm so the seeds are currently being stored in a second Read more…
I am currently running two personal projects at UBC Farm. The main one is developing a model for urban sunflower sprout production under the direction of Brent Skura; the other is the development of a permanent “no-till” field at the farm. It is the no-till project that is the focus Read more…