3.9.22

Around The Farm

by Gulsima Young, Double Major in Informatics and Environmental Studies, UW Farm Informatics Intern 

Direct Seeding at the UW Farm

There are many different methods utilized to start crops at the beginning of each growing season. Some crops at the UW Farm are started in a greenhouse and then transplanted, while others grow best when their seeds are planted right into the soil. This is called direct seeding. Some of the crops that you can direct seed are peas, beans, carrots, squash, melons, and zucchini. You can learn more about the difference between transplanting and direct seeding here!

Over the past few weeks, we have direct seeded crops such as arugula and spinach. In order to direct seed, we begin by preparing the beds that we will be planting in. First, we remove any weeds, either pulling them out with our hands or grazing a scuffle hoe across the surface of the bed in order to uproot them. Next, we use shovels and rakes to shape the beds. If the ground is very dense, we can use a broad-fork that will help us to lift, aerate, and break up the soil.     

Caption: Two UW Farm volunteers using shovels to prepare a bed for planting arugula

Then, we spread organic fertilizer across the top of the bed and use a tilther to incorporate the fertilizer into the soil. This tool is powered by a drill that turns several sharp blades, rotating them across the surface of the bed. The tilther also helps to churn and prepare the soil.

Caption: A tilther being used on a bed of soil

After tilthing, the bed is ready for seeding! At the UW Farm, we either direct seed by hand or by using the Jang, which is a push seeder that allows for efficient, accurate planting. 

Caption: A image of a Jang push seeder sitting in a bed that has just been seeded 

To use the Jang, seeds are poured into the compartment in the top. As the Jang is pushed along the bed, it digs into the soil, seeds are turned through a gear and distributed, and the back piece of the Jang pushes soil over the seeds to cover them.

Caption: A close-up view of seeds inside of a Jang push seeder

After this process, direct seeding is complete! Soon, the seeds will sprout and will eventually be ready for harvest. This process helps us to begin the cultivation of healthy, abundant crops at the UW Farm!

News and Noteworthy:

Learn more and register here.

Learn more and how to apply here.

Agriculture Work Opportunities in Washington:

• Red Dog Farms – Field Crew
• Oxbow Farm – Multiple
• WSDA Organic Programs – Inspectors
• One Leaf Farm – Farm Crew
• Viva Farms – Farm and Education Assistant

              
If you have some time to spare and would like to know more about how to grow food, come volunteer with us!

Our winter quarter volunteer shifts and locations can be found on our website. 
Please be sure to sign up beforehand and help us start the season off strong!

See details and learn more about how to sign up by visiting our volunteer website.

Food Access Resources

The UW Farm donates regularly to the UW Food Pantry. During peak season we also donate to food banks close by. The links below are resources to help you or someone you know with food access.  

• UW Food Pantry: The UW Food Pantry | Any Hungry Husky (washington.edu)
• Northwest Harvest Food Donation sites: Public Drop Sites – Northwest Harvest
• University District Food Bank: Donate Food and Items – University District Food Bank (udistrictfoodbank.org)
• Food Lifeline: Volunteer – Food Lifeline

Help The Farm Grow!

Every year, we have the capacity to grow more food and increase our educational and research program at the UW, but not without your support. Every contribution goes to work immediately, helping us better serve students. Your support can sustain our momentum and help seed new opportunities for student internships, academic work, and future growth. Please consider making a gift to the Farm online

Copyright © 2021 The UW Farm, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
The UW Farm
3501 NE 41st St, 
Seattle, WA 98105

On campus mailbox
Box 354115

NEW email address:
uwfarm@uw.edu