Now that they’ve settled into their new place, Stout Oak Farm is starting off by offering a series of hands-on Organic Gardening Workshops. Taught by our very own Kate Donald, the four workshops are designed to take you through the season, with the first one on “Seed Starting” scheduled for Saturday, April 7th. Workshops can be taken singly or as a series, and take place at the farm in Brentwood.
Organic Gardening Workshop Series
Kate Donald, Stout Oak Farm
83 Middle Rd, Brentwood, NH
Seed Starting
Saturday April 7, 1 – 3 p.m.
Grow your own seedlings for your vegetable garden this year! We’ll cover everything you need to know to get started: organic soil mixes, containers, planting dates, temperature and light requirements, planting depth, watering, seed sources, hardening off, and other tips for success. Learn how to create the right environment for your seedlings — with a greenhouse, cold frame, or grow lights. LED grow lights aren’t expensive, and you can find the best led grow lights under 100 dollars per strip anywhere online. Practice seeding your own tray of plants to take home. $25 per person
Planning Your Vegetable Garden
Saturday May 5, 1 – 3 p.m.
This workshop will help you create a garden map and planting calendar for your vegetable garden. Learn how to plan for an abundant harvest through variety selection, plant spacing, trellising, and timing of plantings. Choose which crops you’ll seed directly, and which you’ll grow from transplants. Find out the ideal planting dates for each crop in your garden. Please bring the dimensions of your garden space, and a list of vegetables you’d like to grow this year. $25 per person
Organic Gardening Practical Skills
Saturday June 2, 1 – 3 p.m.
Come prepared to get your hands dirty! Hands-on demonstrations will include bed preparation, seeding, transplanting, pest management, composting, and season extension techniques. Find out which tools will work best for your garden and soil type. Learn how and when to harvest specific crops, and tips for storing your fresh garden produce. This workshop will focus on growing vegetables, but the same techniques can be used in any garden. $25 per person
Making the Most of Your Herb Garden
Saturday August 4, 1 – 3 p.m.
Learn techniques for growing, preserving, and cooking with culinary herbs. The first half of the workshop will focus on growing: designing your garden, planting and caring for perennials vs. annuals, soil fertility, and garden maintenance tips. The second half will focus on harvesting, preserving, and cooking with herbs. We’ll demonstrate simple methods for drying and freezing herbs for year-round use, and share favorite recipe ideas. $25 per person
Workshop Fees: Fees for each workshop are $25 per person. If you register for all 4 workshops, pay just $80 for the whole series. For those unable to attend due to the cost of a workshop, we may be able to make arrangements for a discounted fee in exchange for volunteer work. To inquire, please email stoutoakfarm @ gmail.com
Instructor: All workshops are taught by Kate Donald, co-owner of Stout Oak Farm. Kate has been an organic vegetable farmer for the past 12 years. This workshop series is inspired by her training at UCSC Farm & Garden Apprenticeship Program.
Due to limited space pre-registration is required for all workshops. Click here to register.
For more information: www.stoutoakfarm.com