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Even in the fall and winter, Feeding Laramie Valley is busy putting on our capstone annual event, the Higher Ground Fair, continuing the Shares program, planning the Soup and Solstice celebration, and preparing for a new year. However spring and summer is the truly busy season for Feeding Laramie Valley. These past few weeks have been no different, and we have burst back onto a hectic growing season, reestablishing our presence at key events throughout Laramie and Albany County.
While the Shares production team is busy with planning and sowing in our gardens (and dealing with unexpected issues!), Feeding Laramie Valley made notable appearances at Pollinator Fest, Pride in the Park, and Freedom Has A Birthday, engaging with the community and spreading awareness. We have also returned to the Downtown Laramie Farmer’s Market, reinforcing our commitment to promoting local produce and crafts.
Summer marks the peak season for Feeding Laramie Valley, as the community comes alive with activity. Our beloved Mobile Market bus, a signature feature that brings fresh, local produce directly to residents, has encountered an unexpected obstacle and is currently undergoing repairs, however, the program is still operating so come check us out at Ivinson Memorial Hospital on Tuesdays, Centennial on Wednesdays, and Rock River on Thursdays!
Despite this setback, the spirit of Feeding Laramie Valley remains unshaken. The team is eagerly anticipating the bus's return to the road, where it will once again serve our communities with nutritious and affordable options.
Feeding Laramie Valley's participation in these annual and new community events underscores our dedication to fostering connections and promoting our programs – all in the effort to create sustainable, equitable food systems. Feeding Laramie Valley is thrilled to introduce fresh faces and updated programs that support and uplift the community. As we navigate through the bustling summer season, we continues to embody the vibrant and resilient spirit of Laramie.
| Field Notes: Vertical Potato Towers |
This year, our Shares team is experimenting with various growing methods, including vertical growing! When you think vertical, you might envision pole beans, peas, and vining plants. But have you ever considered growing potatoes vertically? This year, we decided to optimize our small and ornate spaces by cultivating potatoes vertically.
In the past, we’ve always grown potatoes horizontally in in-ground beds in furrows. While this has been successful to varying degrees, the late start to working the soil this year made growing vertically a great way to get a head start on planting our potatoes. This method could also be a fantastic alternative for someone who wants to grow potatoes but doesn’t have in-ground land, a raised bed, or the time to prep a weedy plot!
We started by digging an 8-inch deep hole for our tower to sit in. Alternatively, you could skip the digging and use rebar to secure the towers. Each potato tower consists of steel-wire fencing wrapped into a tube shape, measuring about 2.5 feet in diameter. We secured the wire tube together with zip ties, but you could also use fencing wire.
| | After securing our tower, we placed the structure into the hole. We then started building our lasagna layers that will hold our potatoes. Using straw, we built a nest at the bottom, about 2-3 inches deep and 12 inches high on the sides—a relatively thick layer! Next, we filled the nest with a good compost-soil mixture. We cut potatoes into small cubes, making sure there were 1-2 good eyes per cube. Then we placed them around the edge in a circle of the compost/soil area. You should be able to fit about 6-8 potato pieces. | |
We repeated this process four more times, all the way to the top of our wire structure. Now, you might be thinking: how are my potatoes going to grow inside the tower? The tubers stay nested in the tower while their leaves sprout out of the sides and top to receive sunlight.
For watering, hand watering with a hose works great, saturating from the top layer and from the sides. If you want to maximize your space even more, you can plant vining plants around the sides of your trellis. We planted peas, which will climb the side of the structure and will be dead by the time we are ready to harvest potatoes.
These towers are amazing yet so versatile and have been used by other growers as windbreaks and trellises!
For more information about vertical potato towers, or other innovative ga, email us at shares@feedinglaramievalley.org or stop by our office at 968 N. 9th Street!
| Field Notes seeks to be a regular educational component of our newsletter and we are very excited to bring this feature to the community. In the future, topics range from specific information about high-altitude varieties that work well in our climate, the benefits of reducing the use of pesticides, to techniques on weed deterrents and season extension. If you have feedback, are interested in a topic, or have suggestions please feel free to contact us at janna@actionresources.ngo | Food And Fun In The Park 2024 |
Join us August 17 for our 10th annual Food And Fun in The Park!
This FREE event will feature locations that are at the core of our mission - LaBonte Park, Kiwanis Park, and the Albany County Fairgrounds. Transportation between sites will be provided by Laramie Connections, and each location will feature different activities ranging from live music, food, fun activities, and animal interactions.
| WyoGives: Giving Back to Our Communities |
Thank you so much for your generous support during the 24-hour WyoGives fundraising event! Your contributions make a significant impact, allowing us to continue our mission and make a difference in our community. We are incredibly grateful for your dedication and belief in our cause. Together, we are achieving great things!
For more information, visit WyoGives.
To donate to Feeding Laramie Valley, visit our donations page.
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Mobile Market Update
(Standard schedule is subject to change and is communicated on Mobile Market social media pages.)
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The Mobile Market bus has unfortunately been put out of service! We hope to get it back and on the road as soon as possible.
In the meantime, the team is still going to be present at these locations and operating farmer's market style. Come check out our fresh produce and other selections!
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Attention Laramie Gardeners!
Have open garden space and want to donate your grown produce to the local community? Consider volunteering with Grow A Row! We encourage anyone interested to contact us. We offer a Gardening Manual for beginning and expert gardeners in growing food in Albany County located here.
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Grow A Row | Feeding Laramie Valley | What is Grow a Row? The Grow a Row program is one of Feeding Laramie Valley's community initiatives to increase our presence in Laramie as well as build another facet of food production for our ever-growing Shares Program. | | | |
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Apply for AmeriCorps VISTA Today!
AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a national service program designed to alleviate poverty by placing individuals in full-time volunteer positions with nonprofit organizations and public agencies. VISTA members work to build the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of these organizations, addressing issues like education, homelessness, and community development.
For more information on this position, visit the AmeriCorps VISTA listing or contact: baylee@actionresources.ngo
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Updated Application Process
2024 Specialty Crops Grant
If you have been considering applying for the Specialty Crops Grant Program but were concerned you might not have enough time to get your materials in, have no fear! We have adjusted the application process to better allow interested applicants to access the Specialty Crops Grant Program.
Applications can now be submitted on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis beginning June 10th.
Applications will be reviewed, and award decisions made, monthly until all of the funds for the grant year have been disbursed. Bear in mind when planning your project and submitting your application that projects must be completed, and final reports submitted, by September 25, 2025.
We're excited to see your ideas for innovative agricultural and garden projects that increase access to fruits, vegetables, and nuts in Wyoming!
2024 Specialty Crops Grants
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Donate | Feeding Laramie Valley | Since 2009, Feeding Laramie Valley has been working to ensure food security throughout Albany County, Wyoming. Thousands of people living in our community do not have sufficient access to sufficient food, or food of an adequate quality, to meet their basic needs. | | | | | | | |