Seed Starts, March 1. Reflection from Owen.

          Hello, I just wanted to post this to share how I was trying to start some plants for myself and for the Moccasins to put in the New Growth Veterans Garden.

          I first made up some starters using a method for winter sowing that consisted of using milk jugs. The jugs were cut in half. Soil was added to just below the cut. Then I proceeded to add the seeds and add water. With the jugs seed I taped the top half of the jug back on and removed the lids. As you can see below I have a few done and really any similar type of container can work so longer as it it rinsed well, and at least semi-translucent.

Winter-Sown Jugs on my front porch

          I also had some starts inside in some aluminum trays with lids as well as seed start trays from the store. I seeded, watered, and placed these in the same way as the jugs, seen below.

Green House Rack with Seeded Trays

          Hopefully with the sheer diversity and quantity of attempts we’ll see plenty of growth to use in the coming weeks.

Moccasins Saturday, February 20. Reflection from Owen

    Hello, my name is Owen Browning, and I am the President of the Moccasins Sustainability Club at The Ohio State University at Marion. I am writing to discuss what was accomplished on this Moccasins Saturday. 

    Unfortunately, Mike Lohre and I were the only two who were able to make it this time. But given the current state of the weather, and everyone's concerns with masks and safety, we do our best to accomplish what we can.

    We first started by getting our tools and heading to the Backyard Food Forest. Our trees were in dire need of some pruning. We spent the first half of the Saturday with those trees trying to acclimate ourselves to a 'tree pruning' mentality. Tree pruning is one of those skills that anyone can do, but it can take a long time to master. Given the amount of decisions and foresight that accompanies each cut. To simplify the experience, what we discerned was that we pruned to promote vertical, centralized growth of the central leader. And every branch we cut allows more of the tree's energy to be focused on what is left. Also of note is the fact that we do this during the cold months while the tree is dormant so as to minimize the damage done to the tree.

    After we finished with the Backyard Food Forest trees, we took lunch at Chipotle, and warmed ourselves.

    Following lunch, we at least wanted to see what work we had ahead of us on the Food Forest. And there where quite a few trees that will need some pruning attention at a later date.

    We then proceeded to take inventory of the seeds that Mike was able to order from a non-profit. We were quite happy with the selection that was received. Mike and I took some seeds to winter sow, because if we start them at home we can prolong the growing season. We are going to try and use a method that involves the use of milk jugs, or similar containers, to start plants outside.

    Lastly, we discussed the use of, and ideas for this very blog, of which this is my first, legitimate posting. Hopefully people find this insight into what we do in the Moccasins Sustainability Club intriguing and engaging. Enough so that they find a way to contribute.

Zoom Meetings Link for Sustainability Action and Projects

 We will hold monthly Zoom meetings.