The "Other" Grains / Backyard Beans & Grains Project - Transition Whatcom2024-03-28T20:19:27Zhttps://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/forum/topics/the-other-grains-backyard?groupUrl=smallscalegraingrowingbeansavingorganicallycascadi&commentId=2723460%3AComment%3A45444&groupId=2723460%3AGroup%3A16600&feed=yes&xn_auth=noMaybe, maybe not. Quinoa is a…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2011-03-14:2723460:Comment:454532011-03-14T01:27:36.452ZKrista Romehttps://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/KristaRome
Maybe, maybe not. Quinoa is actually a cool-season crop, for the most part, although there are many many varieties in Peru and Bolivia, from lowlands to way high in the mountains. It actually can do pretty alright here. I had a fabulous crop a few years ago but it didn't mature by the time the rains came. That's the sticky part, it sprouts almost immediately when it gets rained on. But I still got a crop. The thing is, with quinoa, we need more research and breeding because the low-saponin…
Maybe, maybe not. Quinoa is actually a cool-season crop, for the most part, although there are many many varieties in Peru and Bolivia, from lowlands to way high in the mountains. It actually can do pretty alright here. I had a fabulous crop a few years ago but it didn't mature by the time the rains came. That's the sticky part, it sprouts almost immediately when it gets rained on. But I still got a crop. The thing is, with quinoa, we need more research and breeding because the low-saponin varieties don't do well here (the cool, short season quinoas tend to be the high-saponin varieties), and the saponins (soapy flavor, blech) can be next to impossible to rinse off on a home scale. I really never got mine to be edible, and I don't know if it's good for my chickens, either. Uprising Seeds does sell it, though, so maybe they've got it figured out better than me, or it's a matter of having a greenhouse to get it going earliers. note that I don't know IF qui…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2011-03-14:2723460:Comment:455722011-03-14T01:10:45.940ZLaura R.https://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/LauraRidenour812
note that I don't know IF quinoa is grown on the westside... just that is much more likely to thrive there. <br/>
note that I don't know IF quinoa is grown on the westside... just that is much more likely to thrive there. <br/> what about engaging people th…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2011-03-14:2723460:Comment:454522011-03-14T01:09:51.935ZLaura R.https://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/LauraRidenour812
what about engaging people through celebrating what we do have - I'm thinking of a potato variety tasting event that simulataniously educates about why this is unique potato growing region, and why large scale potato growing is limited here. Focusing on what is unique to here, on the people and the taste of the diversity of varieties is a great way to learn, and to create stronger community.
what about engaging people through celebrating what we do have - I'm thinking of a potato variety tasting event that simulataniously educates about why this is unique potato growing region, and why large scale potato growing is limited here. Focusing on what is unique to here, on the people and the taste of the diversity of varieties is a great way to learn, and to create stronger community. Yes, the KCLT Farm Incubator…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2011-03-14:2723460:Comment:455712011-03-14T01:06:15.598ZKrista Romehttps://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/KristaRome
<p>Yes, the KCLT Farm Incubator Program would be great. I'm still waiting....</p>
<p>Transporting quinoa from Eastern WA is better than Colorado, where it is grown now.</p>
<p>A farm co-op for growing staples would also be great but most of us are dirt poor so it is a challenge! </p>
<p>Sure, potatoes deserve a place in the discussion, but since most folks know how to grow them, that's why we didn't focus on them. To be sure, we shouldn't focus so much on "bringing back" the beans and grains…</p>
<p>Yes, the KCLT Farm Incubator Program would be great. I'm still waiting....</p>
<p>Transporting quinoa from Eastern WA is better than Colorado, where it is grown now.</p>
<p>A farm co-op for growing staples would also be great but most of us are dirt poor so it is a challenge! </p>
<p>Sure, potatoes deserve a place in the discussion, but since most folks know how to grow them, that's why we didn't focus on them. To be sure, we shouldn't focus so much on "bringing back" the beans and grains that we forget what our climate is ultimately best suited for. Potatoes are the easiest calories for us around here and we should definitely not forget about them!</p>
<p> </p> Great idea Laura of 'import…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2011-03-13:2723460:Comment:454442011-03-13T23:27:55.362ZHeather Khttps://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/HeatherK
<p> <font size="2">Great idea Laura of 'importing' quinoa' from Okanagan farmland!</font> <font size="2">Skeeter & others come over the mountain during growing season with the fruit crops and sell to folks wholesale direct – by word of mouth...then some of us can or dry the fruit to last till the next harvest.</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font size="2">Farmer friends - I've been thinking we ought to add the local staples of potatoes (&…</font></p>
<p> <font size="2">Great idea Laura of 'importing' quinoa' from Okanagan farmland!</font> <font size="2">Skeeter & others come over the mountain during growing season with the fruit crops and sell to folks wholesale direct – by word of mouth...then some of us can or dry the fruit to last till the next harvest.</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font size="2">Farmer friends - I've been thinking we ought to add the local staples of potatoes (& possibly squash), into the mix of this groups focus on 'small-scale grain/bean' ? Thoughts?</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font size="2">This year I've found potatoes to be the one winter staple that I can usually obtain locally, that has nourished me (along with squash). They grow so well in Whatcom county, that I was told by Ag Extension scientist, that it is 'illegal' to grow more than an acre of potatoes in Whatcom, and that is why we don't have many dairy farmers rotating their corn & rye grass crops with potatoes. Apparently the law exists to protect the crops of the seed-potato farmers.</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font size="2">The largest amount of whatcom soil is used to produce dried milk and raspberries, that are then exported outside of our county...This means, our fertile farmlands are being used for exports, before they are used for feeding local families. Also with seed-potatoes, the crops is being exported, and the local markets don't carry whatcom potatoes. The last I checked, the coop had potatoes from Oregon on the shelves!</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font size="2">This year, I'd like to find some fertile land to purchase together with a few families & couple farmers, to together grow some of these basic calorie crops (potatoes, beans, oats), that need more space than a small backyard green/fruit/& herb garden can provide. With the right piece of land, we could encourage an experienced farmer like Krista and a couple other 'land-less' farmers to join in the farming.</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font size="2"><strong>If anyone finds good land with healthy soil & water in the area's of Squalicum Mt, Laurel, or Goshen area's let me know. I'd like to be part of bringing the people together working on the land with experienced farmers, closer to where I live and could bicycle or walk to. I can imagine a group of folks pooling their savings to purchase farmland, and then working together with a couple farmers.</strong> There is a chance the Kulshan Land Trusts farm program may be helpful in such a venture.</font></p>
<div style="margin-left: 2em"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
</div> my space right now is very sm…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2011-03-13:2723460:Comment:453142011-03-13T19:57:19.968ZLaura R.https://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/LauraRidenour812
<p>my space right now is very small - about 6x8 and 2x3. I can't realistically grow grains so I'm considering my options. I'll focus on peas and bush beans this year. Any advice about garbanzo cultivation? </p>
<p>I'm not surprised that quinoa doesn't do well here - it likes an arid climate.</p>
<p>Maybe we can encourage the Okanagan growers coop to start growing it over there, and bring us some when they bring peaches and plums. I know that this notion is not without it's major oil…</p>
<p>my space right now is very small - about 6x8 and 2x3. I can't realistically grow grains so I'm considering my options. I'll focus on peas and bush beans this year. Any advice about garbanzo cultivation? </p>
<p>I'm not surprised that quinoa doesn't do well here - it likes an arid climate.</p>
<p>Maybe we can encourage the Okanagan growers coop to start growing it over there, and bring us some when they bring peaches and plums. I know that this notion is not without it's major oil limitations, but it is a short-term fix for the international trade crisis in South America. eanwhile, while folks in our region continue to bolster knowledge, amount of acres and varieties that grow well here. I bet we will be in a very different place in terms of diversity of crops in about 3-5 years.</p>
<p>thanks!</p> Hi Laura,
I have been underwh…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2011-03-13:2723460:Comment:452502011-03-13T01:21:58.819ZKrista Romehttps://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/KristaRome
<p>Hi Laura,</p>
<p>I have been underwhelmed with quinoa and amaranth's ability to perform consistently here, which is a shame. Perhaps it's just a matter of selection over a period of time. I do have great luck with dry soup peas, garbanzos, dry beans, buckwheat, flax, dent corn, all great forms of vegetable protein in one combination or another. Walter is right that it's not yet too financially feasible to grow these for sale. I have sold some in the past, and there are people willing to do…</p>
<p>Hi Laura,</p>
<p>I have been underwhelmed with quinoa and amaranth's ability to perform consistently here, which is a shame. Perhaps it's just a matter of selection over a period of time. I do have great luck with dry soup peas, garbanzos, dry beans, buckwheat, flax, dent corn, all great forms of vegetable protein in one combination or another. Walter is right that it's not yet too financially feasible to grow these for sale. I have sold some in the past, and there are people willing to do the work trade and/or $6 a pound. But because I don't want to grow acres of crops or use machinery, I personally focus on the seed trial and multiplication aspect. Anyone who wants help growing these vegetable protein storage staples can come to me for help. The more of us growing them the better we can share with more folks. I think that is the key, spreading the seed around as much as possible so that there are enough of us growing to share/sell to those without yards or big acreage!</p> Hi Walter,
I'm pretty good on…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2011-03-12:2723460:Comment:452422011-03-12T18:54:30.026ZLaura R.https://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/LauraRidenour812
<p>Hi Walter,</p>
<p>I'm pretty good on the nutrition education. I should have clarified:</p>
<p>Is there a way to connect with those who are growing a variety of grains that do not have gluten? I am particularly looking for buckwheat, millet and dried beans and peas.</p>
<p>Does trade or purchase of these already happening outside of the stores?</p>
<p>A few farmers are selling some at the farmers market (Growing WA, Nooksack Nine, etc) but varieties are still pretty limited and are very…</p>
<p>Hi Walter,</p>
<p>I'm pretty good on the nutrition education. I should have clarified:</p>
<p>Is there a way to connect with those who are growing a variety of grains that do not have gluten? I am particularly looking for buckwheat, millet and dried beans and peas.</p>
<p>Does trade or purchase of these already happening outside of the stores?</p>
<p>A few farmers are selling some at the farmers market (Growing WA, Nooksack Nine, etc) but varieties are still pretty limited and are very expensive to eat every day, or even every week.</p>
<p>thanks.</p>
<p> </p> What can you all share about…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2011-03-12:2723460:Comment:452362011-03-12T08:48:10.470ZLaura R.https://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/LauraRidenour812
<p>What can you all share about high protein grains that grow well here? I am concerned about quinoa and the pressure that recent spikes in US demand is putting on south american cultures that depend on it for nutrition. I know it can't grow on the westside and am curious about alternatives. Also, has anyone attempted a variety of buckwheats?</p>
<p>thanks.</p>
<p>What can you all share about high protein grains that grow well here? I am concerned about quinoa and the pressure that recent spikes in US demand is putting on south american cultures that depend on it for nutrition. I know it can't grow on the westside and am curious about alternatives. Also, has anyone attempted a variety of buckwheats?</p>
<p>thanks.</p> Krista,
I did grow the large…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2010-04-08:2723460:Comment:176082010-04-08T19:47:54.123ZCelt M. Schirahttps://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/CeltMSchira
Krista,<br />
<br />
I did grow the larger lentils last year, on the cheap. I just bought organic sprouting lentils and planted a handful. They grew fine, they ripened in time. Same problem, the yield was too low to bother with. Also, I found that they shattered easily, so the little lentils fell out of the pods and I lost a lot of the already meager harvest.<br />
<br />
If a person has a large amount of hand labor available to weed and harvest the lentils, they are a convenience food in traditional societies. They…
Krista,<br />
<br />
I did grow the larger lentils last year, on the cheap. I just bought organic sprouting lentils and planted a handful. They grew fine, they ripened in time. Same problem, the yield was too low to bother with. Also, I found that they shattered easily, so the little lentils fell out of the pods and I lost a lot of the already meager harvest.<br />
<br />
If a person has a large amount of hand labor available to weed and harvest the lentils, they are a convenience food in traditional societies. They store indefinitely and they cook in a half hour.<br />
<br />
<cite>Krista Rome said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/forum/topics/the-other-grains-backyard?groupUrl=smallscalegraingrowingbeansavingorganicallycascadi&#2723460Comment17278"><div>Heather:<br/> <br/>
I grew baby beluga lentils from Greenheart Gardens two years ago. I won't grow lentils again because the yield per area was exponentially lower as compared to dry beans or garbanzos. They grow and mature fine here but are so tiny and there really aren't so many per plant. Lots of stuff threshed out for very little product. I love lentils but I wouldn't grow the teeny ones again, not sure if the larger ones will mature here as well or not.<br/>
<br/>
Krista</div>
</blockquote>