JOHNSTON, Iowa — Jordan and Whitney Clasen, of Grade A Gardens, will host a virtual field day with Practical Farmers of Iowa exploring garlic production on Wednesday, June 3, from 12:30-1:05 p.m.
The event – “Garlic Production at Grade A Gardens – Weed Management & Varieties” – is free to attend and will take place on Facebook Live. To join in, visit practicalfarmers.org/field-days and click the link on the page for this event.
You do not need to be a PFI member or have a Facebook account to participate – but those without an account will not be able to comment or ask questions.
The field day is the first of a three-part series exploring different facets of garlic production and management throughout the season.
Jordan Clasen started Grade A Gardens in 2009 in Johnston. Whitney joined the farm in 2016 after working on farms all around the world. Today, Grade A Gardens includes 8 acres of certified organic fruits and vegetables; 300 egg-laying chickens; and bees.
Gourmet garlic remains a farm specialty – 2 acres of the farm are devoted to the crop. Jordan and Whitney market through a CSA, the Downtown Farmers’ Market in Des Moines and via Des Moines restaurants and specialty grocers.
During the June 3 field day, Jordan and Whitney will discuss how they manage weeds, assess the condition of the garlic crop and choose garlic varieties.
The other events in the series will take place:
- June 25, during which the Clasens will share how they harvest, bundle and market garlic scapes
- July 10, during which they will share how they harvest, clean and cure garlic.
Guests are welcome to attend all events in the series, or pick the ones they’re most interested in. Details about all three field days are available at practicalfarmers.org/field-days.
The events are part of Practical Farmers’ 2020 field day season, which includes more than 60 virtual events hosted by farmers located across the state, and beyond, on topics spanning the agricultural spectrum.
Practical Farmers’ 2020 field days are supported by sustaining sponsors Albert Lea Seed; Barn2Door, Inc.; Grain Millers Inc.; Iowa Sustainable Ag Research and Education; Niman Ranch; Scoular; Sunderman Farm Management Co.; Trees Forever; USDA-NRCS; and Welter Seed and Honey Company, as well as several major sponsors, including: Bio Till; Center for Rural Affairs; Conservation Districts of Iowa; Farm Power Implements; Gandy Company; Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance; Iowa Farm Bureau Federation; Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health; KWS Cereals; La Crosse Seed; Man@Machine; Organic Valley – CROPP Cooperative – Organic Prairie; Pipeline Foods; and Prairie Creek Seed.
— Practical Farmers of Iowa
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