Sheet mulching

Following some pictures of the current field project. And information about the sheet mulching we are currently trying out.

Thanks a lot to Grant Wood for making the sheet mulching experiment happen.

As you can see in the field, there are many weeds. Many of those weeds are edible and pretty healthy. This video shows you how you can make a dandelion salad (please only use organic/free run/local eggs from a known source if you choose to add raw eggs to the salad).

Next field orientation Thursday July 7th at 4:30pm at the field lab

Likely the last for this years U of S horticulture club field project.

2011 Field Project Update!

Hello everyone,

Sorry there has not been much news about the Field Project on here yet... I just learned how to use it.

The Field Project is well underway this year! We were able to get into the field much sooner than last year, and everything has been planted. We have about 14 rows of plastic mulch laid down with all our hot crops in them (pepper, eggplant, tomatoes, pumpkins, melons, etc) and then another bunch of rows with all kinds of veggies.

All interested members must have a field orientation before they get involved in the Field Project. There have already been several this year and there will only be another one if there is demand. If you are still interested in getting involved, please email us at:
hortclubfield@gmail.com

That is the update for now... so if you have interested friends who are students, please send them our way. Enjoy your summer,

Clare, Grant, Veronica, Tariq
Field Managers

Message from field project manager Clare:
**************************************
In trying to accommodate all of the responses I received about when an orientation would work, I have decided to schedule the last orientation for tomorrow, Tuesday June 14th at 5:15pm at the Horticulture Field Lab.

The field lab is located at 2909 14th st. East, between Preston and Arlington, with a big metal gate and sign that says "Horticulture Research Facility" (or something like that).

Please bring your $15 membership fee is you have not already paid this year (membership fee covers Sep.2010-Aug.2011)
and also a completed membership form (attached).
**************************************


location in google map

Hopefully see some of you there,
Thomas

Hello everyone,

The fields have dried up quite nicely and have actually been tilled, staked and partly seeded! This is great news and an improvement over last year. This is a reminder that:

Thursday May 19th (tomorrow) at 5pm will be the first field orientation (which every memeber who wants to be part of the field project must do every year) at the Horticulture Field Lab (2909 14th st East... between Preston and Arlington). This will be the first of several orientations, but please try to make it so that we can get help out in the field as soon as possible.

If you are not an active member for this year yet (from Sep.2010), please bring your completed registration form (attached) and $15 for the season.

Look forward to seeing you there,

Clare

Plant sale for Japan relief was a great success.

Check the following videos:

And some pictures here:



Big thanks to the University of Saskatchewan for providing the space, thanks a lot to all people that came out and helped, to all that helped with the cutting, to all that helped with the plant propagation, to all that helped with the plant transplanting, and to all that bought some plants.

I was also talking about mushrooms containing ergothioneine in the second video, as presented by Professor Manabu Nukina at the conference where we handed over the money. Ergothioneine has anti-oxidative properties. Check his homepage:
http://www.tr.yamagata-u.ac.jp/~mnukina/

For more information about the event:
http://uofshorticultureclub.blogspot.com/
http://www.kuruk.de/index.php?id=73


Do not forget to buy and eat some seaweed if you life in or close to effected areas:
http://www.kuruk.de/index.php?id=71

Keep up to date about the atomic crisis here:
http://www.naturalnews.com/031894_Fukushima_meltdown.html

"indoor ornamental plants" and "vegtable" sale in Arts tunnel 22.03.2011

Hello everybody,

The "indoor ornamental plants" and "salad, herbs, cucumbers, and maybe tomatoes" sale will happen this Tuesday 22.03.2011 from 9:30 to 15:30 in the Arts tunnel. More than 50% of the earnings will go towards Japan crisis relief (see details below). Helping and volunteering will be highly appreciated.

Here the time plan:
9:00 - 10:00 cut vegetables and wash them in the greenhouse (you need to have had the greenhouse orientation to help with this)
9:30 - 10:30 moving vegetables and plants from the greenhouse to the Arts tunnel
9:30 - 15:30 sale in the Arts tunnel
15:30 - 16:00 move left overs to the greenhouse and clean up greenhouse
Please let me know if you can help, when and where you would like to help, and whether you can provide logistic by providing a truck or car (very important) for moving the stuff (contact me here). Then I will give you more detailed directions. To not let me know beforehand is fine, you still can come out and help. You can also contribute by coming out and buying something or letting your friends know about this event.


Location of the Arts tunnel, that is the tunnel between arts and Murray Building. E.g. enter arts turn two times left going down the stairs left to A&W (worst food at UofS):
map

Crisis relive recipient:
More than 50% of the earnings will go towards Japan. We will give the earnings to Japanese professors from the effected areas that will distribute the earnings directly. This Japanese professors are work mates of Karen and visit the Agriculture department next weeks. No middle mans, direct and maximum impact of the money (great opportunity to have a direct impact, and maybe we could even donate some seaweed to help people to deal with the atomic crisis.)

Wear a smile and you might win a price.

Take care everyone,
Thomas

Horticulture club update

Hello everyone,

The day cycles are getting longer again and there is a lot of interesting stuff going on and coming up.

Saturday the 22.01.2011, there will be a tropical fruit and vegetable seminar starting somewhere between 11:00 - 14:00. Like for the plant propagation seminar, the person doing the teaching will be Mr. Nair. There are a maximum of 17 spaces, so sign up by getting into contact with me. The open places will be given out on a first come first serve basis. Time and location will be fixed later and send out to the signed in people.

Don't forget about the next greenhouse orientation on the 24.01.2010 at 17:00 in the greenhouse. You need the orientation to be able to participate in the greenhouse project. For everybody not knowing what's the greenhouse and whats going on there, here some videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8frNWk9ENc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DclAiw18WFk
Also make sure to let me know whether you want to participate in the greenhouse project so I can put you on the greenhouse project mailing list.You can contact me e.g. via my contact formula on my website:
http://www.kuruk.de/index.php?id=11

Karen, one of the most active horticulture club members, is on the organizing committee (actually, chairing the committee) for the First Saskatchewan Food Summit (March 2-3, 2011) at TCU Place. (---Note: Deadline for early bid registration is Jan. 31.):
http://www.ccde.usask.ca/ExtensionDivision/noncredit/AFH/foodsummit.htm
The will be freely accessible material about the conference later, soeven you don't sign up for the Saskatchewan Food Summit, it might be interesting to keep an eye on that topic.

Also check the Gardening Classes offerings by Saskatoon School of Horticulture.

For any people participating in any of the horticultures projects please make sure you signed in for the club and paid the annual fee of 15 $ (roughly lasting from 09.2010 till 09.2011), to either the horticulture club president or your project's leader. To my best knowledge the currently ongoing horticulture club projects include greenhouse project, the presentation/seminar series, and cherry wine making. The cherry wine making project is already full. Note: you won't need to pay the fee for just being on the mail list. You can add a filled membership form to your payment, or just let the person you paying the money to take down your name.

Sincerely,
Thomas

Job Opportunity at SaskPower

Here is the email regard to "greenhouse technician" position at SaskPower from Dr. Karen Tanino.

From: llangman@saskpower.com [mailto:llangman@saskpower.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 12:56 PM
To: Provincial_Aboriginal_Sourcing_Fax_Contacts@saskpower.com; Aboriginal_Sourcing_Email_Contacts@saskpower.com; General_Email_Distribution_List@saskpower.com; employmentmgr@rods.sk.ca; rmc.pa@sasktel.net; edu@sasktel.net; mjmc@sasktel.net; intercultural@sasktel.net; counsellor16.workprep@sasktel.net; esu@sods.sk.ca; svmea@gov.sk.ca; dss@usask.ca; austin@dimension11.com
Cc: DTourangeau@saskpower.com
Subject: SaskPower Job Opportunity

Attached is a job posting for a Greenhouse Technician at SaskPower Shand Greenhouse in Estevan. This competition closes July 9, 2010. Please share this posting with anyone you feel may be interested and qualified to apply. If anyone requires assistance or any further information, please call me at (306) 566-2167. Further detail related to the job description can be viewed on-line at www.saskpower.com - careers - current job openings.



Please ensure that applicants refer to CAAR #628813 when applying for this position. As well, if a diversity candidate wishes to self declare they may do so in their cover letter. Online applications are preferable; however, we will accept resumes submitted by mail or fax. If you wish to apply by paper and choose to self-declare, please feel free to print off the attached form and submit it with your application.

Lorna Langman
Recruitment Consultant, HR
Professional/Business Portfolio
SaskPower - 10NE
2025 Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 0S1
Ph: (306) 566-2167 Fax: (306) 566-2087
Hrs of work: Monday to Friday: - 8:00 a.m. to 4:47 p.m.
llangman@saskpower.com

At SaskPower, we generate more than just electricity for Saskatchewan residents. We also offer some of the best career opportunities in the province. There’s never been a better time to join our growing team. Challenging careers, competitive salaries, attractive benefits, professional development, career advancement opportunities and the chance to become involved in your community await you.

Greenhouse Technician (temporary)

(position #CAAR 628813) Estevan, SK

SaskPower Shand Greenhouse, located in Estevan, Saskatchewan, is currently seeking a temporary full time greenhouse technician for a term ending October 20, 2011.

Shand Greenhouse is a wholly owned subsidiary of SaskPower. The Greenhouse strives to enhance public awareness of the environmental and social impacts of electricity generation. This is achieved through the production and distribution of tree, shrub and native plant species for environmental improvement projects and through education and communications programs.

The successful candidate will possess a university level education in horticulture, agriculture, biology, forestry or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Abilities and experience in research, statistics, plant pathology or entomology would be an asset. While the focus of this position is in greenhouse culture, the successful candidate will be called upon to participate in education and communications activities. Experience in these would be an asset. In addition to these interpersonal and communication skills, the candidate must be able to supervise others, work with computers and equipment, and contribute in a team environment.

The position will involve physical labour, some travel, and a staggered work week (10 days on, followed by 4 days off). Remuneration will be at the rate of $20.15/hour, plus benefits.

The closing date for this competition is July 9, 2010.

_____________________________________________

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those being interviewed will be contacted. For more information and to apply online, please visit saskpower.com/careers, or send your resume making clear reference to position #628813, to:

SaskPower Recruitment

2025 Victoria Avenue

Regina, SK S4P 0S1

Fax 306.566.2087

Our goal is to have a workforce as diverse as the customers we serve.

Job Opportunity

The City of Meadow Lake is looking to hire a student for the summer with horticultural training/background. This student would look after all existing flowers/trees and work on new projects within the city (with the guidance of the local Communities in Bloom committee and the Meadow Lake Parks & Recreation Department). The rate of pay would be approximately $15.50 (subject to change due to Union negotiations).

I’ve attached an ad for you to post (if possible). If I have not contacted the proper department, please feel free to forward this email. Thank you.

Leah Lehoux

Parks & Recreation Manager

City of Meadow Lake

Box 610, 120 - 1st Street East

Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1Y5

Ph: (306)236-3622 Ext 204

Fax: (306) 236-4299

Horticulture Club AGM

Next Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, the Hort Club will be having an AGM in Room 2E17 at 5:30pm. At that time we will be updating our constitution, electing a new executive and awarding $500 to the Hort Club Award Winner. There will also be managers there to give updates on the Greenhouse and Field Project. Hope you can make it out!

Greenhouse Orientation Session

Hey Everyone,
There is going to be a Greenhouse orientation session held this Thursday, April 1st, 2010. You will need this to help with seeding for the field this summer. Please contact the 2010 field team, Danette and Clare at hortclubfield@gmail.com for more information.

Gardenline needs you!

Gardenline is a complimentary service collectively put on by the University of Saskatchewan, the Dept of Plant Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources and the Government of Saskatchewan to provide sustainable horticultural information and problem solving to the public.

Here's how you can help:
Take a look at the old gardenline website, http://gardenline.usask.ca/

There are numerous informative articles on a wide variety of topics... but we need more! The website is in the process of being revamped and renovated to have a more wiki-styled format in order to improve usability.

We are asking Horticulture Club members to come up with some creative articles to be added to the website. Everything from fabulous fungus to creative composting ideas. Articles can be sent to Grant Wood; grant.wood@usask.ca

Remember that it would look great on your CV and is a learning experience!

General Meeting - January 11, 2010

U of S Horticulture Club General Meeting January 11, 2010 Meeting called to order at 5:01 pm. (Jacey motioned, Jamie seconded) Treasurer's Report -$7000 in savings and $4000 in chequing as of Nov. 24, 2009 -$2900 in the online account Greenhouse -By the end of January there will be an orientation for members interested in joining the greenhouse project -There was a whitefly outbreak over the Christmas holidays; the vegetables were sprayed and damage is not too severe -tomatoes, cucumbers and swiss chard is ready to go -there are currently 30-35 people in the greenhouse project group -STM would be willing to buy 50lbs of veggies from us -Chelsea suggests we hold off on selling and email club members to take the veggies first -Kayleigh sent out an email to involved greenhouse members about perennials and bedding plants -There will be emails about weekly greenhouse meetings, likely Thursdays -Grant has volunteered to bring excess veggies to the Gardenline office for all hort club members to take, at 1:00 pm one of these days -Cucumbers are producing steadily, parsley and cilantro nearly destroyed, lots of chard and basil -Reminder: please replace key after opening door Stored Veggies -Tomatoes went bad -Hopefully will be enough tomatoes for salsa soon -Carrots & potatoes in cooler still good Cider & Wine -Save your beer bottles for cider -Waiting for an update on wine Poinsettia Sale -We sold out and made a profit Food Safety -January 23rd at the PAC, 9am-5pm -Terri will teach it -There will be a test at the end -$25 with book and certificate (good deal!) -Family members can also get discounted price Constitution Meeting -Sometime in February -Will be more information soon and the constitution will be sent around New Years Party -Will invite Jackie, Eldon, Doug, Devon, Paul, anyone else who has helped with the Hort club -Decided on a potluck and bowling -We will have the potluck here then go bowling at Eastview Bowl -Chelsea will book lanes and send out an email to let us know what day (Jan 29/30/31) Speakers -Nair and Karen have volunteered to talk about India. Also Dr Walker is willing to give a talk on cacti -A honey production talk was suggested; will be about half an hour at the end of February with a honey tasting panel Aquatic Plants -Let Grant know if you are interested in learning more about aquatic plants Gardenline -the website is going to be renovated -A new format, sort of wiki-style -Grant suggests Horticulture Club members write new articles, update old ones -Articles are a 2 page fact sheet with pictures -Looks good on CV and is a learning experience -Look at topics on website or pick anything you want -Gardenline.usask.ca -An email will be sent out -Contact Grant if you want to write an article -A weekend Gardenscape pass is the incentive to do this Horticulture Club Award -Nominations will start this month -award is $500 for student returning next year -Guidelines, nominations, criteria, forms will be available Field -A new field manager will be needed beginning of February -There can be 2 co-managers -Emails will be sent out regarding this -STM's Choices wants to expand their international culinary and would like to buy food from us Next Meeting -Between Feb. 8-12, will find out via email -Check the blog! Kayleigh motioned to adjourn, Chelsea seconded Meeting adjourned 5:48 pm.

Interested in growing aquarium and pond plants??

If you are interested in learning more about growing common aquarium and pond plants, please contact Grant Wood. If enough students are interested in this activity, we will try to establish another interest group and start growing some plants. You can get ahold of Grant at grant.wood@usask.ca.

Greenhouse meeting (Reminder) Thursday Nov 26

Hi greenhouse members,

Just a quick reminder that we will have a meeting tomorrow in the greenhouse at 4:30pm. For the first 30min I will introduce some common pests that we have in the greenhouse, then I will dicuss some management techniques that are used to control them. This will provide you a basic background on what to expect and what to do in terms of dealing with pests in the future.

Then we will do some maintainance and harvest the cucumbers. Yup, it is harvest time for the cucumbers. Please bring your own bags, bags will not be provided.

The meeting will take approximately 60-90 minutes long.

Hope to see everyone there,

Peter Le

Greenhouse meeting

Hi everyone,

Here is the update information from the greenhouse, I'm sure that you haven't heard anything lately from the greenhouse so do I. Therefore, I guess I wlll take some actions before it is too late. So from now on, I will setup a regular meeting in the greenhouse every Thursday from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. During the meeting, I will talk a bit about related topics to greenhouse food production (~ 30 mins) then the rest 1:30hr we will go over the plants for hand on experiences.

Topic for the

• Thursday Nov 19: Greenhouse food production - Is it important?
  
• Thursday Nov 26: Intergraded Pest Management - What is your enemies?
  
• Thursday Dec 3: Fertilizer regime - What is it?
  

If you are planning to come to the meeting, please send me an e-mail to confirm your spot. It will be really helful for me to know how many members are coming.

Peter Le

Pumpkin Sale!!

Hi Everyone,

We are planning a pumpkin sale on Friday October 23rd from 10:00-3:00. We need Hort Club member volunteers to help sell pumpkins and raise money for the club! We especially need people who are available in the morning, from about 9:00-1:30. If you have even half an hour to spare to help out it would be greatly appreciated.

If you are able to volunteer, please reply in the comments section of this blog entry with your name and the times you are able to help out. This way other members can check out which shifts are covered and which shifts still need to be filled.

Hope to see you there! Thanks for your help!

Things to do with all those fresh veggies.
After all of that harvesting the porch is full of fresh veg. Now what to do with all of this fresh stuff before it goes bad and so that I can enjoy it all winter.
I started by shredding one large zucchini and freezing it in bags for use in quick breads. I just washed, peeled and grated it and froze it in about two cup units.
Next I made a batch of an African peanut stew that uses lots of what we grew and freezes well.
Here is my take on a traditional recipe:

Peanut Vegetable Stew
4-6 medium potatoes
2 tbs., 30 ml. oil
3 tbs., 45ml. grated fresh ginger
3 tbs., 45ml. ground coriander seed
3 or 4 cloves garlic, crushed
4 large onions, diced coarse
6 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
2 cups, 500ml. peeled and cubed eggplant
3 cups, 750ml. cubed zucchini
2 large sweet peppers, diced coarse
hot peppers to your taste
about 1 cup, 250ml. stock or water (I like ham stock)
1 small tin tomato paste
1/2 cup, 125ml. peanut butter
3 tsp., 15ml. salt

Fry onion, garlic, ginger and spice in oil till onion is transparent. Add potato, tomato, eggplant and some stock, bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes. Add zucchini, peppers and salt and simmer until all of the vegetables are soft, another 10 to 20 minutes. Add peanut butter, tomato paste and more stock to adjust thickness. If you are going to freeze this keep it quite thick as it will water out when it is thawed.
This is great with any grain starch, with bread or on its own. I freeze it in 500 ml. cartons for quick winter meals.


Now what to do with all those greens?