Growing Organically Since 1982

 

Join the Human Health and Climate Action Challenge

The Human Health and Climate Action Challenge is an interactive, virtual event that combines personal commitment, public education and crowdfunding to raise awareness about how organic agriculture is linked to human health and the Climate Crisis, and to support NOFA/Mass in doing this important work year-round.   

 

Winter Project: Cutworm Collars that Last Forever

gardening, Farming

As the season winds down, I look forward to winding down with it, working shorter days and taking longer lunches. But I know that any little project I can do in the cold months will save me precious time once the growing season starts up again. One such project I did last winter not only saved me time this past spring, but will continue to do so for as long as I garden. I made cutworm collars that will last as long as I live, and probably quite a bit longer.

Cutworms are moth larvae that live in the leaf litter. They feed on young stems, usually severing them completely. They are a heartbreaking pest, as they can destroy a good fraction of the tomato transplants (or most other seedlings) put out in early spring.

Diverse Workshops Signal a Robust 2021 Winter Conference

Winter Conference, Events

Building networks and infrastructure to survive and thrive in difficult times is on the forefront of many people’s minds this year.

At the virtual 2021 NOFA/Mass Winter Conference, a tight lineup of speakers will engage and inform gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers on topics like resiliency and community-building. We’ll delve into practical themes such as soil health; learn how Massachusetts growers and farmers have navigated the pandemic; and explore our present and future work in the area of social and racial justice.

Elizabeth Henderson, co-author of Sharing the Harvest, will be presenting a workshop entitled System Change, Not Climate Change - Time for Root Solutions! Elizabeth’s talk will help participants remember that we live in human-created systems, and humans have the ability to change them. 

Soil Testing and the Bulk Order Go Hand in Hand

Farming, gardening, Landcare, Soil, Bulk Order

Fall soil testing can get you set up to succeed next growing season. Don’t shoot in the dark - find out what your soil’s limiting factors are now. Fall soil testing will also enable you to order the amendments you need via the 2021 Tri-State Bulk Order  – a NOFA tradition that helps growers of all sizes get affordable prices on farm and garden supplies while helping fund critical programming and activities at participating NOFA chapters.

As a thank you for soil testing with NOFA/Mass, you will receive a $10 coupon code to use when you place your order via the Tri-State Bulk Order in January.

See current and archived NOFA/Mass newsletters