Growing for Family

Tuesday June 21st, 2011 7:00pm – 9:30pm
Wednesday June 22nd, 2011, 9:00am – 4:30pm
instructor: Michael Ableman and Josh Volk
cost: $145 + HST (lunch included)

Whether you have a large yard or even just a balcony, growing some of your own food is easy, increases the pleasure of the table, and provides a sense of self-reliance. This evening and one-day workshop is for people who would like to learn simple systems of growing food in small spaces, for themselves and for their families. We will cover composting and soil fertility, bed preparation, seeding and transplanting, weeds and cultivation, and the harvest and storage of various food crops. If you are already growing some food, the workshop will offer techniques to improve your skills and to produce food more consistently and reliably. This workshop is for all skill levels; no prior experience is necessary.

Michael Ableman has been farming for over 35 years. His books, lectures and workshops have inspired people throughout North America. He created Fairview Gardens, at its peak one of North America’s most successful models of local and urban agriculture, where he farmed for 25 years. Michael currently farms at Foxglove Farm on Salt Spring Island and is the co-director of SOLEfood, Vancouver’s most successful urban agriculture social enterprise.

Josh Volk has been immersed in the study and practice of vegetable farming in the Northeast, desert Southwest, California and the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years. He helped to develop and manage the very successful Sauvie Island Organics CSA, an intensive 20-acre vegetable farm outside of Portland, Oregon where he trained over 20 apprentices. Along with farming, Josh has been working as a consultant, writer, and teacher assisting numerous small-scale farmers and gardeners.