This season's garden school is a modern take on homesteading techniques. Join us outdoors in the garden as we learn about a selection of traditional practices relevant to the conscious consumer of today.
The Jam Session
a food preservation demonstration
Sejal Lanterman & Nicole Richard URI Cooperative Extension
9:00-11:00 AM
Today more people are choosing to grow their own produce and purchase locally grown food. A wise way to enjoy the bounty during the 'off season' is to put food up for the winter, otherwise known as preserving. While some home food preservation techniques are more difficult than others, it is important to know how to preserve food safely. During this demonstration Sejal and Nicole will show you how to safely use a water-bath canner to make jam and, if time allows, will discuss other methods of preserving.
Edible Forest Garden at Roger Williams Park Community Garden
Permaculture Basics
Kate Venturini URI Cooperative Extension
11:00-12:00 PM
Are you looking for new and unusual edible plants and design techniques for next year's garden? The term "permaculture" is a combination of the terms 'permanent' and 'agriculture.' It is a concept that brings together elements of ecology, organic farming and sustainable design to provide food for people while protecting the natural environment. Join Kate Venturini at the Roger Williams Park Edible Forest Garden to learn more about incorporating elements of permaculture into your landscape.
Raising Bees at Home* a lunch and learn session
Jim Holt
URI Master Gardener
12:00-1:00 PM
You bring your lunch and we'll provide the lessons learned from our newly-installed beehive! Learn what it takes to have a colony of bees at home and how they can help pollinate your gardens while producing honey to substitute the need for buying sugar.
*Free when you take any one of our other classes.
Raising Chickens at Home
Warren Carlow
A.P.A., A.B.A. Licensed Poultry Judge
1:00-2:00 PM
It was once a common practice to keep a small flock of chickens for fresh eggs. With updated chicken ordinances and growing interest in urban agriculture, that way of life is seeing a resurgence. This workshop will start with raising chickens from birth, and will teach about proper methods for housing, feeding, maintaining health, egg production and more - pretty much everything you will need to know to start your own flock!
To make this school even sweeter, our URI Master Gardener soil testers will be on site to provide free pH analyses while you learn. Fall is a great time to get your soil in shape for next year's growing season. CLICK HERE to learn how to collect soil samples.
Each class is $20.00 or sign up for the entire day ($40.00) and save $20.00!
Lunch is not provided; however, we encourage you to bring your own and enjoy it in the Roger Williams Park Community Garden where we will have tables and chairs.
