By Donne Gonzales, NMAA Farm Trainer, and the Sembradores Team
The Sembradores have been tending to plants, soaking in knowledge, solidifying tradition, and being in community since our last update.
Our weeks are full of planting and weeding (nearly every day!). We are learning at every turn, and experimenting with seeds, and elements when we have an awesome idea.
Earlier this spring, we learned the art of traditional sheep shearing. We used some of the wool in the field, where we hope it acts like a sponge to hold moisture, and slowly release nitrogen back into the soil. The pumpkins seem to enjoy this experiment.
We’ve also been busy with remedios, crafting encerado, syrups, tinctures, and glycerites from milky oats (to soothe our nerves), vervain (calming), mullein (respiratory health), wild lettuce (for pain), and more. We are paying attention to the plants, and are reading the signs when the medicine is ready.
We have learned about harvesting techniques for roots, greens, and herbs. We have practiced how to handle and wash food safely for markets.
The garlic will be ready any day now, so it will be harvested next! Lettuce has started to bolt & bitter (but we will save some for seeding purposes), our beans are popping off & the corn is struggling. However we always have hope!!!
May we continue to get gentle rain showers so our plants can survive the intense heat.
Through it all, we’ve been reflecting on what it means to be healthy & happy — starting with ourselves, learning how to care for loved ones, and deepening our connections in the community.
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