Farming 102: Discovering Our Roots - Squash School

This class may be purchased as a bundle or as individual workshops. To purchase the bundle, click on the options when purchasing your ticket. The full bundle will include a discount!

The plants we eat contain fascinating and endless stories of development as a civilization. In these Discovering Our Roots courses we'll discuss how plants have lured us in to unknowingly become their dedicated caretakers. As caretakers, we've learned volumes of wisdom pertaining to the cultivation of these life-giving foods. We'll discuss the specifics required to confidently cultivate the varied food crops that grow abundantly in our unique environment. We'll also attempt to clear up the murky topic of hybrid, open-pollinated, heirloom, land race and GMO crops while contemplating the question: Who really domesticated who?

Our Farming 102 classes are offered individually or sold as a package. Each of the 5 classes includes classroom time and hands-on field labs at Wild Willow Farm, where many of these crops are being grown. Students will be taken on a plant family journey learning the history of the plant and are instructed step by step from starting your seeds/plants, maintenance, and harvesting. Topics include the level of care required, level of fertility, watering needs, common pests and diseases, and yield. Special attention will be paid to seasonality, as students identify the appropriate season for specific crops.

Led by farmer Paul Maschka, a highly respected seasoned farmer and instructor in holistic agriculture. You are sure to learn a great deal no matter what your experience level is!

This class focuses on the squash family called Cucurbitaceae that includes: Squash Summer & Winter, Luffa, Melons, Pumpkins, and African Horned Melon VGH.

We will also discuss the carrot (apiaceae) family within this workshop. This includes some wonderful edible plants like parsley, cilantro, dill and parsnip, plus more aromatic spices found in your spice cabinet, such as anise, celery, chervil, coriander, caraway, cumin, dill, fennel and of course, parsley.

Activities

• historic journey of the plant family
• hands-on field lab at the farm analyzing our crops
• learn how to seed, propagate, and harvest
• care and soil needs
• cooking demo and tasting samples of Wild Willow Farm's produce

You may select which classes to attend or purchase the 5-day discounted package:

Class #1: Brassica & Onion Families - November 11th

Class #2: Beet, Daisy, Sweet Potato, & Okra Families - November 18th

Class #3: Squash & Carrot Family - November 25th

Class #4: Tomato & Bean Families - December 2nd

Class #5: Grass & Mint Families - December 9th

Walk-up purchases the day of class will be an additional $10 so make sure you purchase by 11:30PM the night before class! Space is not guaranteed if you have not purchased a ticket online.

For questions, please contact [email protected]

Host or Publisher Wild Willow Farm