Dates: May 5-6, 2017
Time: 9am-5pm
Cost: $100
Instructor: Gabe Garms
Location: Raven's Roots Campus

In this 2 day class, we'll cover a host of different permaculture topics which you'll be able to apply at home. Lecture will be given out in the field and almost the entire class will be spent doing hands on activities on our permaculture farm. Camping and full amenities (kitchen, bathroom, internet) are available to students for both Friday and Saturday evenings.

Here are the topics that we'll cover:

  • Beneficial insect attracting, aromatic pest confusing, nitrogen fixing and nutrient accumulating plants
  • No-till gardening systems
  • Biochar and it's importance in long term soil health
  • Nutrient cycling. Learn to retain nutrients in your soil so that you'll never have to add amendments
  • Rain catchment systems and storing water in the ground (swales)
  • Season extension techniques (greenhouses, hoop houses, cold frames, row covers etc.)
  • Plant propagation
  • Macronutrients, micronutrients and trace elements
  • How to perform a biology analysis yourself. We'll be looking at soil samples under the microscope.
  • Composting techniques to maximize biology (thermal and vermicomposting)
  • Compost teas. How to cost effectively make your own at home.
  • Perennial vegetables. How to both grow and cook with them
  • Building resilient communities (guilds) of food, medicinal and wildlife attracting plants
  • Native plant identification and ecology
  • How to attract wildlife and protect your gardens from deer, rodents and rabbits
  • Raising small livestock (we have chickens, rabbits and ducks on the farm). Growing their food and using them to make your systems more efficient.