Biological Orchard Care Classes

This course and topics are designed to engage the learner in developing the introductory skills they need to holistically care for fruiting plants in a biologically intensive manner. 

Backyard growers, Students expanding their horizons, Community gardeners, Beginning farmers seeking professional development and skill specialization are all especially encouraged to join us!

For our second year of the Orchard program, we are shifting our structure and will look at 7 core topics, with flexible opportunities to attend:

Each topic will be covered 2-4 times with Thursday and Saturday class options.

• Plant Selection and the Understory Ecosystem (April and October)

• Sprays and homemade amendments (March and July)

• Pruning with Grafting demo (January, February)

• Ripening and Harvest (August, September)

• Observation: Insects and Botany in the Orchard (May)

• Propagation of Perennials (June, December)

• Soil Care: Testing and Analysis (November)

Another change is the introduction of an optional self-led Intro to Orcharding Certificate, granted upon completion of all 7 topics, in any order. Imagine a punch card, but instead of a free smoothie you have life-long access to skills that allow you to feed and foster life. 

Learners also now have the opportunity to sign up for individual classes or the entire series of 7 topics. No application necessary.  These classes are intended for those over the age of 16.

To register for the full Orchard Course: choose any upcoming date, and select the ticket option that says: Register for the full Orchard Care Certificate. We will then email you monthly with the upcoming class opportunities, you can show up for the dates that work for you and you will not have to register individually by date. To see the full schedule of dates and topics by month, check our website.

November 2026 Classes will cover Soil Care: Testing and Analysis