The Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District is continuing its series of free agricultural “Farm Talks” presentations. The Farm Talks are open to all interested in learning about the variety of small farming and homesteading techniques.  The next talk will include two presentations.

The first will be “Year-Round High Tunnel Production” with Sandy and Paul Arnold of Pleasant Valley Farm in Argyle.  The second presentation of the night will be Starting a Small Scale Tree Nursery with David Lee of the NY Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Saratoga Tree Nursery.

Year-round farming in New York is possible with winter hardy greens (spinach, salad mix, arugula, herbs and more) through the use of high tunnels. Pleasant Valley Farm has grown winter greens with organic methods in unheated high tunnels since 2006.

High tunnel designs consist of steel hoops covered by greenhouse grade plastic, roll-up sides for ventilation and crops are planted directly in the ground. High tunnels not only provide year-round production for winter greens but they also extend the growing season for many other crops warming the soil for earlier planting in spring and providing a warm fall environment, lessening the temperature fluctuation and extending the growing season.

David Lee has been with the DEC for 23 years will discuss the seasonal techniques that have led to the success of the tree nursery. He will also be discussing the process of seed collecting from superior trees. The reasons for starting a small scale tree nursery may range from ornamental and Christmas trees to erosion, wind breaks and lumber.

The next talk is Friday, January 30th from 6 pm to 8 pm at the DEC’s Warrensburg Office, 232 Golf Course Road, Warrensburg 12885.

RSVP to Nick Rowell at (518)623-3119 or nrowell123@nycap.rr.com as seating is limited.

Photo of the high tunnel at Pleasant Valley Farm provided.