Is your family ready to grow organic vegetables in your own backyard? Expanding your farm into a bigger CSA or farm market business? Want to raise your own poultry? The Organic Growers School in Asheville, North Carolina has something for everyone who's interested in organic farming and gardening. The popular gathering brings the best and brightest in the field together for one productive weekend.
"The energy at this event is just amazing!" said Director Meredith Leigh McKissick, "It really is bringing together people from all walks of life and levels of experience. What this really does is create community."
McKissick said the most popular classes people are taking include soil fertility, basic cover crop selection, poultry, and aquaponics.
A new class filling up fast this year is simply called "Anyone Can Garden, Anywhere." Led by Joel Tippins of Fair Share Urban Growers, the class empowers even people without a yard to start growing their own food. Another class explains how to avoid genetically modified foods. The Organic Growers School gives parents a break by providing a parallel program designed especially for keeping kids busy.
Last year at the school, I learned much about building healthy organic soils, choosing plants for an edible landscape and working with medicinal herbs. My instructors ranged from college professors to commercial landscapers.
A new feature this year is bringing together gardeners to expand a community garden for Asheville's low-income Hillcress Community. Donations of materials or cash are needed to fund the project scheduled for the Friday prior to the OGS weekend. Those who enroll for the school and enlist at the same time to volunteer on Friday can receive a $15 discount off tuition.
The 2013 Organic Growers School is set for March 9 and 10 at the University of North Carolina in Asheville.