This summer I have had the opportunity to work at a local farm called Paradise Valley Orchard. This has given me a unique opportunity to see exactly how my food is produced.
I helped in the entire process of food production.
First, I prepared soil blocks from coir and a peat mix. After that, I planted 3 seeds of lettuce in each soil block. Then, the soil blocks go under a heat lamp for 3 weeks to germinate the seeds and give them a head start on growth. When the seedlings get about 2 inches tall I moved them to 3x3 pots. Then, those go back under the heat lamp. After growing in the post for about 3 weeks, we start the process of hardening off. This means putting the plants outside to get them used to the temperature of the air and the soil so when it gets planted it doesn't get shocked. Then I transplanted the plants outside. They grew and we watched them to see when they were ready to harvest. After harvesting the heads of lettuce, I washed them, mixed them up and then put them in bags to sell at the farmer's market. Because I helped at the farm, I got to take some home and eat it. It was delicious.
I loved helping at the farm because it meant so much to be able to know exactly where my food was coming from. The food seemed to taste better because I helped with every step of the process. Plus, I knew it was healthy!
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