Pleasant Hill, Iowa, USA
March 9, 2012

Tomato grafting can increase the yield and uniformity of a tomato crop, particularly for heirloom tomatoes. It also reduces disease pressure without using pesticides. Practical Farmers of Iowa is hosting a hands-on tomato grafting workshop at The Homestead east of Pleasant Hill Friday, March 30, from 1-4 p.m. Workshop participants will discover how grafting improves production, watch a grafting demonstration, take a turn grafting tomato plants and discuss graft healing. They will leave with new skills, knowledge, seeds, supplies and instructions to graft on their own farms.

The workshop will take place in the greenhouses on The Homestead campus, a living and learning center for adults with autism. The Homestead operates a six-acre vegetable farm and apple orchard. The farm provides work opportunities for adults with autism. Produce is sold through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

Space is limited for this event and registration is required. Ensure your spot by contacting Patrick Burke, patrick@practicalfarmers.org, 515 232 5661 by March 23. The workshop is free for members of Practical Farmers of Iowa and $25 for non-members. Practical Farmers of Iowa will ship seeds to participants who would like to receive rootstock and heirloom seeds to graft before the workshop so that seedlings are ready to graft after attending the event.

Directions: The Homestead, 8272 NE University Ave., Pleasant Hill, IA. From the intersection of I-80 and Hwy 65, go south on Hwy 65 about 4-1/2 miles to the Pleasant Hill/East University exit. Go east on University to the intersection with 80th St. (SE Polk High School is on the right.) The Homestead is on the left (north) side of East University. Visitors are asked to park at the back by the greenhouse.

Founded in 1985, Practical Farmers of Iowa is an open, supportive and diverse organization of farmers and friends of farmers, advancing profitable, ecologically sound and community-enhancing approaches to agriculture through farmer-to-farmer networking, farmer-led investigation and information sharing. Farmers in our network produce corn, soybeans, beef cattle, hay, fruits and vegetables, and more. For additional information, call 515.232.5661 or visit www.practicalfarmers.org.