Week Three - by Brian Wathen

Here I am working in the high tunnel at the office. I am recording the number of fruits on each plant for

our Heirloom tomato trial.

One of the tasks that I really enjoyed completing this week has been getting things ready for camp! I am going to be helping with the day camp here in St. Mary’s County this coming week of June 20th through 24th. I am excited to work with the campers and make sure they are having fun. I know my years of teen training and being a counselor myself at the Charles County 4-H camps have helped me when thinking and planning on camp activities. I have gathered some things that we will need for games and other activities. I’m helping teach a soil test activity in which the kids will bring their own soil sample from home and we will be running tests such as pH, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. I am interested to see the comparison between the two camps. I grew up in the Charles County camp program so I’m not used to this one in St. Mary’s – it should be a fun experience. 

I have also thoroughly enjoyed farm visits with Ben. I am learning a lot as far as looking at different pests, plant diseases and nutrient deficiencies. We even went to help a farmer set up a plow for his fields. Meeting different farmers and looking at their operations has really intrigued me into using some of the same technique’s when I grow my own personal produce. I want to work in the cattle and hog industry but this experience has also grown my interest in produce as well. 

I’ve learned with my time in extension thus far that I truly enjoy working with Agriculture. I am learning and experiencing so many things as it relates to plant health. I like going back home at the end of the day and telling people about what I did. My past work experience also helped me by knowing some of the common chemicals farmers use to spray their plants. Since both my parents were raised tobacco farmers, they understand some of the same techniques that are used when growing and harvesting their crops. But also, I like teaching them about certain diseases and deficiencies in our plants at home.

I think contemplation is vital in one’s career growth. Thinking back and reflecting on prior work experience and mistakes is what makes one grow as a person. I know for me, my past work experience has helped me in many ways, but I feel like I’ve had to adapt somewhat to my new work environment, mostly since I used to work outside all day long, but now I can work in the office and outside when I need to. 

Under the Microscope. We took some leaf samples of tomato plants in which they were showing signs

of spider mites. Little arachnids that feed off the leaves of fruits and vegetables. Here you can see some

of these mites with their light orange color and black spots.

Me at the organic farm where Ben and I  went to help the farmer set a plow for his fields. This is the first

row where he broke ground.