Food Security 101
An 8-month mentorship program that teaches hands-on organic food production
*This program isn't available in 2023. Please see our 2023 Workshop Series
Thursdays 9 am - 4 pm
In the heart of Yellow Point
$795
Limited to 10 spaces
*This program isn't available in 2023. Please see our 2023 Workshop Series
Thursdays 9 am - 4 pm
In the heart of Yellow Point
$795
Limited to 10 spaces
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Have you have ever dreamed of growing a beautiful food garden, market gardening or farming? Then this is the program for you. Learn from two knowledgeable growers how to grow nutritious food to feed your family or business and community. Spend one day a week on a working farm from spring to late autumn, learning how to keep your veggie garden productive throughout the growing season and saving your seeds for the following year.
Course Outline
Introduction to small scale farming/food growing
Garden mapping/design, farm planning(spread sheets), succession planning, farming tools, irrigation, greenhouses, remay and insect netting, post harvest technique and soil testing.
From the ground up
Explore the foundation of productive healthy organic food gardens. Create and maintain healthy soil and compost, companion planting, crop rotations, mulching and the vital role of wild life.
Composting systems
Learn how to build a three-bin composting system and make the best 'black gold' ever using free recycled organic matter.
Cool weather crops
Productive farms require forethought and planning. Food plants that thrive in cooler weather conditions are the first to get seeded and planted. Learn how to plan and plant crops for spring/summer production.
Warm weather crops
In today's uncertain climate heat loving plants may require special attention. Learn how to seed with bottom heat using a propagation table or heating mat. Timing is everything to get good results. Become confident in planning and planting the summer/ fall garden for later crops such as tomatoes, peppers, basil, beans, squash and corn.
Grow the best tomatoes
Learn the four S's of tomato growing, the advantage of heritage varieties, and the top 10 tips for producing the highest yields from your plants.
Backyard fruits and berries
Learn how to care take a small fruit tree orchard and grow a diversity of small fruits and berries to fill the pantry and freezer for the winter.
Pest and disease control
Organic solutions for pesky problems are explored. From slugs to tomato blight, discover ways to keep your garden healthy and productive throughout the year.
The winter food garden
Why leave beds empty once earlier crops have been harvested? In this region we can grow over 40 varieties of cold hardy vegetables for harvesting throughout the winter months. Once again it's all about timing.
Preserving the Harvest
Year round food production means preserving the fruits of our labors. Drying, bottling, fermenting and canning extend the harvest into the winter months and beyond. Bring your apron and favorite chopping knife for some time in the kitchen.
Saving your own seeds
There's no better start than from seeds you have saved from your own unique ecosystem. With impending climate change there cannot be sustainable food production unless seed saving is practiced. Learn how to preserve plant genetic diversity and save a small fortune by saving your own seeds.
Growing great garlic
Garlic is a health-giving sustainable crop, which reproduces readily and is easy to grow. From harvest in July, to proper curing and replanting in October we will learn all about garlic cultivation.
Eco- Nutrition
Take a look at the big picture of where our food system is at, and the changes we need to make.
This is BIG PICTURE thinking about how to move to a world in which we can feed ourselves in the face of climate change and disruption to global food production.
Permaculture Principles
Permaculture is so much more than a form of organic gardening. It is an act of consciously designing landscapes which mimic the patterns and relationships found in nature, while yielding an abundance of food, fibers, medicine, and crafts. We will discuss the most important permaculture principles and how they can improve our organic farming methods. With special guest Priscilla Brewer, Certified Permaculture Designer & Teacher
Testimonials
"The program was informative and inspiring. Surrounded by like minded people in a positive, safe , and supportive environment gave me the opportunity to ask questions, share information and learn new skills, while having fun. The combination of classroom sessions and hands on gardening gave me a well rounded balance of learning styles. I made ever lasting friendships and memories to cherish for a lifetime."
- Anna Neill(2018 student)
"Everyone is called to learn about growing for different reasons. Whether you want to feed your family or an entire community, Goldenrose and Carolyn have the knowledge, experience and ideas to help take your gardening to the next level. These women teach with a deep commitment to sustainability and each participant's intellectual and personal growth. It was truly life-changing. And super fun! I left each week feeling empowered in so many ways."
- Sutton Eaves(2019 student)
