Holistic Crop Management

December 2019 - January 2020 • Times & Locations Vary

Growing a viable farm business is sustained by continuous learning of the land and your products. In this workshop series, growers across Southern Appalachia will gain tools to manage their crop production for whole-farm success. Workshops in each location will feature farmers and agricultural experts from the area. Participants will be able to build a network with experienced growers who know farming and the land.

Improving Farm Communications

Sundays, January 12th & 19th, 2020 •  10:00–4:00  •  Alexander, NC

Effective communication is essential, and can be transformative for your farm operation. In this two day long interactive workshop, Improving Farm Communication, participants will address real life situations to learn about communication styles, ways to have better conversations, and have a chance to practice new skills.

Farm Dreams

January 18, 2020 •  10:00–4:00  •  Concord, NC

February 8, 2020 •  10:00–4:00  •  Asheville, NC

If you’re in the exploratory stages of starting your own farm, this entry-level workshop is designed just for you. You will receive practical, common-sense information on sustainable farming and hear from experienced farmers running successful farms in WNC.

Advanced Enterprise Development

Thursday, February 6th, 2020 •  3:00-7:00  •  Marshall, NC

This 4-hour training will dig deep into enterprise development and adaptive management for beginning and experienced small farmers. 

Homestead Dreams

Saturday, February 8, 2020  •  10:00–5:00  •  Arden, NC

Whether you own or rent a home or live in a rural or urban setting, you can learn to incorporate small-scale, self-sufficiency and sustainability into your life through this entry-level, one-day exploratory workshop.

Spring Conference

Friday–Sunday, Mar. 6-8 2020  •  Mars Hill University

The Spring Conference is a one-of-a-kind event that offers regionally specific workshops on organic growing and sustainable living. We will open registration and publish the 2019 schedule, class and workshop descriptions, and instructor bios in mid-December 2018.

Spring Gardening Series

Six Mondays in Spring 2020  •  Black Mountain and Asheville, NC

This six-class series will teach you everything you need to know about growing and expanding your garden—from planning and planting to production and pests. Every other class takes place at the Dr. John Wilson Community Garden for hands-on instruction.

Fall Gardening Series

Mondays July 27 & August 3, 2020  •  Black Mountain, NC

Join Diana McCall, garden manager at the Dr. John Wilson Community Garden, for two evenings in her Black Mountain garden. Discover when to seed and transplant, which vegetables to plant, site location based on the hours of sunlight, and simple techniques for winter protection.

Harvest Conference

September 4th & 5th, 2020 • Warren Wilson College

An educational event that offers affordable classes on organic growing and sustainable living. The September 2019 conference featured eight stand-alone 1-day workshops taught by outstanding guest speakers. Topics include Wild Foods, Medicine Making, Hemp Farming, & Forest Farming. 

Cuba Agroecology Tour

Tuesday, Jan. 5 – Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021  •  Cuba

Join OGS for a tour of Cuba’s sustainable farms. Learn from farmers and food activists about Cuba’s transition to agroecological farming practices. Acquire the knowledge and strategies to create just, sustainable, local, and healthy food systems in your own communities.