The Poetry of the National Heirloom Expo
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The National Heirloom Expo
National Heirloom Expo Speech
For those who wanted to follow me on my journey to the National Heirloom Expo…”Farming Outside the Box” was the speech that I presented in Santa Rosa, CA.
Speaking at the National Heirloom Expo
Squash and Awe is my one woman, no-till, 1/4 acre farm model that I created as a way to troubleshoot one commercial crop that failed in Hawaii. Turning to history, I as a 6th generation farmer’s daughter, I decided to use ancestral knowledge, and historic seeds to find sustainable solutions to the pest problems that caused over 95% of this crop to be imported over 3000 miles. Help me to give a motivational speech to others who are looking for ways to change our food system by using our lives. Changing our food system…one tiny farm at a time.
Free Soil Health Workshop in Waimea Tuesday July 29 5:30-7:30
Hawaiian Homes Hall, Waimea, Big Island. Free event come as you are. Snacks and farm related raffle>
Ray is flying in to help us build our island soil. Please come and show him how much we care.
http://vimeo.com/channels/raythesoilguy
No-tillers this is our time to shine!
Hope to see you there…
Vegan Mango “Squashie”
Nothing says summer in Hawaii like mangos. So here is a simple and lovely little drink to make in your blender.
first, steam chunks of squash, peel them, and drop them into a freezer bag. Freeze overnight or longer.
Then, at the hottest time of the day, peel and remove all pulp from one medium sized mango. Scoop right over the blender so that the juice drops right in. Take 4 or so frozen squash cubes, and enough almond milk to fill your blender 1/2 way to the top. Use the ice crush mode to pulse the frozen cubes. Add more almond milk or frozen squash to taste. Pour into 2 glasses (or make one giant one) and top with a dusting of ground ginger. No sugar is needed as the mango is sweet enough as is! Aloha!
Help bring me to the nationals!
Wanna help a guerrilla farmer? Please consider sponsoring one of my community outreach classes or programs…you will be sending me off to be a speaker at the National Heirloom Expo. http://www.gofundme.com/azvhi4
Pesticide and GMO Companies Spend Big in Hawai’i
Dreaming of the National Heirloom Expo
http://theheirloomexpo.com/updates/
Like all busy farmers, September seems like a very long time away, but it is closing in on us as we plant ourselves silly. I have my small dream of being an exhibitor at the expo, that grew into a much larger dream after the Gettles of Baker Creek were kind enough to include my squash patch in their global touring. My dream was nearly nixed by the sad news that my squash cannot fly to California, no touring due to the fruit fly. The Department of Agriculture person was even saddened. But the lovely folks who are assisting in the organization of the expo noted that I would be welcome to represent our Hawaiian heirloom squash at the expo, pumpkins in hand, or not. I was relieved to say the least. I can bring the seeds, photos, and let that represent the patch. Now, some paperwork, networking, and some fundraising is in order so to make this happen. Just putting this out to the universe….fingers crossed…dream getting a wee bit closer…
The one year transition to an organic no-till farm
The upcycled blocks of basalt and coconut coir from a neighbor farm ring the irrigation circle.
The local brewery (1 mile away) was happy to donate their hops for the soil. The stable trimmings complete with manure came from the next door stables.
recycled sprinkler irrigation and tabletops are in place
three sisters method of beans, corn, and squash, surrounded by reclaimed cardboard. Soil building and moisture holding cardboard also minimizes weeds
reused table tops create vertical climbing space for beans.
three sisters method of companion planting combines with reclaimed cardboard and upcycled geo textile salvaged from the landfill
Salvaged geo textile becomes a ground cover to minimize weeds, hold water, and add heat for the heat loving squash plants
Coral sand, horse manure, mulch, ironwood needles, fish, and coconut coir make the addition.
intensive plantings of summer
The image says it all. The additions have changed the soil dramatically.
These Upcycled growing blocks from a neighbor hydroponics farm were saved from their future in the landfill. Holding moisture is key in a drought worn farm area. Blocks also contain basalt to add as a nutrient. Other blocks are made of coconut coir
The mini-farm at 10 months old
The vines are ready for spring pruning to promote health and growth.
Squash and Awe 