Each year the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) sponsors this statewide educational event at over 30 different locations in Maine. Classes run from 6 to 9 p.m. The workshops are open to the public and to people of all gardening skill and experience levels. They are designed to provide folks with essential skills and knowledge needed to make a transition from conventional to organic gardening. The workshop is offered in partnership with Maine’s Adult & Community Education program and community sponsors.
Grow Your Own Organic Garden
MOFGA
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
6–9 p.m., unless otherwise noted
Are you concerned about the rising cost of food? Unsure what the term “certified organic” means? Interested in learning how to grow your own vegetables in a sustainable manner?
Join us for an evening long workshop on how to grow your own garden. We’ll talk about the basics of soil science, how to enrich your soil to produce healthy, high-yielding plants. The course will also cover the basics of making and using compost, the principles of crop rotation and how to incorporate green manures and manage nutrients in the garden. Other topics will include how to tell the difference between cultivated plants and weeds, basic weed control strategies and common insect pests and methods of natural insect control. The instructor will be an experienced farmer or gardener from your region.
Participants will acquire an understanding of:
• the basics of soil science, and how to enrich soil to produce healthy, high yielding plants;
• composting methods;
• the principles of crop rotation, and how to incorporate green manures and manage nutrients in the garden;
• the difference between cultivated plants and weeds, and basic weed control strategies; and
• common insect pests and methods of natural insect control.
Classes will be offered at more than 30 locations throughout Maine. Presenters are seasoned MOFGA farmers and gardeners. Please refer to the list available online and register using the contact information given for each location. Nearby locations include:
• Kennebunk, Adult Education Of The Kennebunks & Arundel, Kennebunk High School; Instructor: Helene Lewand, Blackrock Farm
• North Berwick, Noble Adult & Community Education, Noble High School, 388 Somersworth Road, North Berwick; Instructor: Jordan Pike, Two Toad Farm
• Wells, Wells-Ogunquit Adult Community Education, 200 Sanford Rd, Wells High School, Wells; Instructors: Marilyn & Rick Stanley, Chick Farm
For more information: www.mofga.org.