Class Descriptions

 

5.  GARDENING SCIENCE

A detailed overview of the necessary components of successful gardens.  Soil health - structure, improvement, and maintenance; understanding seed labeling and categories; garden placement; plant spacing; planting/transplanting; companion planting; when to do what; using water properly; fertilizers; pests vs helpers; weed management; troubleshooting; and extending the season are covered in a manner which allows you to apply them in your own yard.  Private on-site consultations available in some areas.

Instructor is a 30+ yr organic gardener who majored in Plant Science at UofG. 

Saturday, April 26 - 10 am to 1 pm.  Chatsworth and Area Fire Hall  75 McNab St., Chatsworth, ON.

Cost:  $40.  Registration and deposit required to hold a spot.  * Sign up for the whole weekend to receive a discount AND a door prize!  Cancellation/Refund Policy:  Refunds only issued if Instructor cancels the class. 

 

6.  SQUARE FOOT GARDENING AND COMPANION PLANTING                ~  NEW  ~ 

The perfect pairing of growing methods to maximize your harvests while minimizing the work.  This planting approach moves away from the straight rows that only large machines require.  Fewer seeds, less transplanting, staggering crops to harvest throughout the full season, and perfect spacing to allow for optimal growth with no soil space wasted means more to eat.  When combined with the strategy of placing certain plants together so they both do better, or adding plants that deter pests, or even growing plants that heal the soil, you will get an even greater benefit with less physical work - use your mind in the beginning and your back will thank you all through the summer!

Saturday, April 26, 2 pm - 5 pm.  Chatsworth and Area Fire Hall  75 McNab St., Chatsworth, ON.

Cost:  $40.  Registration and deposit required to hold a spot.  * Sign up for the whole weekend to receive a discount AND a door prize!  Cancellation/Refund Policy:  Refunds only issued if Instructor cancels the class. 

 

7.  INTRO TO PERMACULTURE:  A PRACTICAL APPROACH                       ~  NEW  ~

This brilliant philosophy, created in the '70s by two Australians, is taking the growing community by storm.  As an idea, or an attitude, it can be very difficult to break down into practical actions and logical plans.  Permaculture Design is a map.  One which will allow you to get the most out of every dollar, every inch of soil, every moment of your day, and from every part of the natural environment wherever you live.  For apartment dwellers, city folk and country gardeners, this way of thinking evolves the backyard garden into garden farming - and you will harvest much more than just food.  Come find out how you can call yourself a "Permie" by working the 12 Principles of Permaculture into your everyday life. 

Sunday, April 27 - 1 pm - 4 pm.  Chatsworth and Area Fire Hall  75 McNab St., Chatsworth, ON.

Cost:  $40.  Registration and deposit required to hold a spot.  * Sign up for the whole weekend to receive a discount AND a door prize!  Cancellation/Refund Policy:  Refunds only issued if Instructor cancels the class. 

 

8.  BEGINNER'S WATER BATH CANNING

Match modern day science and safe practices with old world quality and taste.  This class will give you the basics of canning food safety, the difference between canning methods and why they must be followed, an understanding of food spoilage and what is safe, tips on selecting equipment and ingredients, plus money saving options, and how to work through all types of recipes (new and old).  Some hands-on opportunities while canning various recipes (whatever is in season locally) will take you through every step of the process.  You will leave with the ability to can anything you choose in the future.  Limited class size for the best experience. 

What to bring: Hair covering, apron, shoes with a good grip, water bottle, paper and pen.

Allergen Alert: All equipment has been used for all kinds of food. Epipen users should ensure someone on site has access to personal treatments.

Instructor is a multiple 1st Place winner at local Fall Fairs, winning Best of Show 2022 at the Owen Sound Fall Fair, and has a current Safe Food Handler Certificate.

June 28, 1 - 4 pm - Chatsworth and Area Fire Hall, 75 McNab St, Chatsworth, ON.   Recipes will be a jam and a jelly.  

July 5, 1 - 4 pm - Chatsworth and Area Fire Hall, 75 McNab St, Chatsworth, ON.   Recipes will be 2 kinds of pickles.

July 12, 1 - 4 pm - Chatsworth and Area Fire Hall, 75 McNab St, Chatsworth, ON.   Recipes will be a spiced fruit and a chutney.

PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Fresh ingredients in the correct quantities must be gathered by the instructor.  

COST:  $40 per person.  Deposit required to reserve a spot.  

Cancellation/ Refund Policy:  Refunds will only be issued if the instructor cancels the class. 

 

9.  BEGINNER'S PRESSURE CANNING

Less popular but perhaps a more useful method of canning, this method gives you the ability to create your own ready-to-eat meals like soups and stews the way you like them.  This class will give you the basics of canning food safety, the difference between canning methods and why they must be followed, an understanding of food spoilage and what is safe, tips on selecting equipment and ingredients, plus money saving options, and how to work all types of recipes (new and old).  Some hands-on opportunities while canning a veggie or soup (whatever is in season locally) will take you through every step of the process.  You will leave with the knowledge to can anything you choose in the future.  Limited class size for the best experience. 

What to bring: Hair covering, apron, shoes with a good grip, water bottle, paper and pen

Allergen Alert: All equipment has been used for all kinds of food. Epipen users should ensure someone on site has access to personal treatments.

Instructor is a multiple 1st Place winner at local Fall Fairs, winning Best of Show 2022 at the Owen Sound Fall Fair, and has a current Safe Food Handler Certificate.

Saturday, May 3 - Ayr, ON - BACK TO BASICS SHOW.   More info soon.

Sunday, June 1 - Simcoe, ON - GENERATIONS MARKETPLACE.  Visit their website to register.

(Best taught as in 2hrs as a demonstration, 3+ hrs if students wish to participate)

 

10. SPECIALTY CANNING WORKSHOPS:

These workshops offer a chance to apply what you already know to some more intricate recipes.  Two recipes, with either specialized equipment or with a long list of savory ingredients takes you to a whole new foodie experience.   All the ingredients are gathered and provided for you.  Discover the incredible difference high quality ingredients and zero artificial additives can make.  This is Canning2.0!

PICKLES.  1. Sweet Pickles, and 2. Dill Pickles.   All Water Bath Canning

MORE PICKLES.  1.  Roasted Red Peppers in Wine, and 2. Giardiniera (Antipasto Mix).  All Water Bath Canning.

TOMATOES.   1. Diced Tomatoes, and 2. Pasta Sauce.   All Water Bath Canning

HOLIDAY TREATS.   1.  Apple Pie Filling, and  2. Spiced Cranberry Sauce.   All Water Bath Canning.  

WINTER MEALS.   1.  Meat, and 2. Bone Broth.   All Pressure Canning.  

Other recipes can be developed depending on the season.  More to be announced. 

What to bring: Hair covering, apron, shoes with a good grip, water bottle, paper and pen.

Allergen Alert: All equipment has been used for all kinds of food. Epipen users should ensure someone on site has access to personal treatments.

Instructor is a multiple 1st Place winner at local Fall Fairs, winning Best of Show 2022 at the Owen Sound Fall Fair, and has a current Safe Food Handler Certificate.

Pre-Registration and Deposit Required.