Managing Farm Labor

November 11, 2019 •  Arden, NC

This 6-hour workshop will showcase how to structure labor on a small farm through the eyes of established regional farmers. Legal and financial considerations will be highlighted and discussed to better understand which labor structure best fits your farming model.

Holistic Crop Management

November 2019 - February 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 soil health, weeds, pests, and diseases for whole-farm success. This workshop series will be held across Northern Georgia, Eastern Tennessee, Western North Carolina, and Southwestern Virginia.

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.

Cuba Agroecology Tour

Tuesday, Jan. 7 – Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020  •  Cuba -- SOLD OUT!

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.

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.