Sore Muscles
This morning I woke up with a few sore muscles from a very rewarding class I participated in this week, Hunger to Harvest (April 29-30). I spent two days at the Healing Hands International, Nashville location. This is the same information that Healing Hands uses in other countries to train farmers.
2009
I first got involved with Healing Hands in 2009 when my sons had a band and played at the Nashville Walk 4 Water. Then we hosted a Walk 4 Water in Washington State as an extreme service project, our son, Daniel Redding wanted to do. HHI does a lot of great work! I am thankful for what they facilitate.
Compost
I have wanted to take this class for years. This week I used muscles I have not used in a while. We had classroom and hands-on instruction.
We prepared beds to plant in American style and African style. Working in teams we leveled our planting spots as well as the paths in between. I learned to make compost, shovel and wheel compost and level it out on the beds. The compost had been curing for over a year since the class last year was virtual due to Covid. It was rich and sweet smelling. It felt good to be outside and working as a group.
Drip Irrigation
We learned how to use and install drip irrigation lines. And then the joy of planting was ours. Our group planted watermelons, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes.
Our group
The group was a great mix of people from several states with varied backgrounds, gardening experience and many different reasons for participating. It was a joyful group and I enjoyed working with each one. At the beginning I did not know a single member of the class but I do know the teacher. I am thankful my sister convinced me to sign up for the class even though she could not make it!
Healing Hands International does amazing work to aid, equip and empower people all over the world. This is an annual class so if you are interested in learning to do sustainable gardening plan to attend next year if possible! You will leave with a lot of resources and experience and maybe a few sore muscles.
