PLEASE NOTE: This workshop is non-refundable, so please know you can make it before signing up, mark your calendar and if you can't not make it, send someone in your place. 

May 16th 2025, 10 am to 1:30 pm @ Ali's Organics

Includes a healthy lunch from the garden @12 pm 

Are you wanting to be more self sufficient on small acreage?  In this workshop we will be touring Kevin & Ali's small 1/2 acre plot that they grow 80% of their food on and you will get to see first hand how they do it as Ali walks you through the garden and teaches intensive planting techniques, season extended growing in high tunnels and low tunnels to get the most out of your garden, how to raise animals such as goats, chickens, turkeys, meat birds, preserving  topics and more.  This is an intensive learning class and while a booklet written by Ali will be provided, you will want to bring a notepad and pen for note taking.  Below is a list of some of the main topics to be covered, but not limit to.  You will get to experience a small working farm.  Come join us for a fun day of learning! 

Learn how to create a thriving homestead on limited land! In this comprehensive workshop, we’ll cover the essentials for small-acreage homesteading, including:

Orchard Management

• Selecting fruit and nut trees suited for small acreage and your climate.
• Soil preparation and planting techniques for young trees.
• Organic pest and disease management for orchards.
• Pruning basics for healthy, productive trees.
• Companion planting and cover crops in orchards.
• Maximizing yields with proper watering and fertilization.
• Harvesting and storing fruit for long-term use.

Gardening

• Building healthy soil for productive gardening.
• Planning a garden for small spaces: efficient layouts and companion planting.
• Preparing soil for planting: composting, amending, and mulching techniques.
• Seasonal planting and succession planting to maximize yields.
• Managing pests and weeds organically: DIY solutions and beneficial insects.
• Harvesting and preserving garden produce ideas: storing, freezing, and canning.

Raising Goats

• Selecting the right breeds for milk, meat, or land management.
• Building shelters and fencing for safety and efficiency.
• Feeding goats organically: forage, supplements, and treats.
• Basic health care and common goat ailments.

Raising Chickens (Layers)

• Choosing dual-purpose or egg-specific breeds.
• Setting up mobile coops and rotational grazing systems.
• Managing feeding organically for egg quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Handling and collecting eggs for safety and cleanliness.
• Preventing and treating common chicken health issues.

Raising Meat Turkeys

• Selecting fast-growing or heritage turkey breeds.
• Housing and range management for turkeys.
• Feeding for proper growth while maintaining organic standards.
• Monitoring growth rates and ensuring proper health care.
  

Raising Meat Chickens

• Choosing Cornish Cross or other meat-specific breeds.
  
• Optimizing feed-to-weight ratio with organic feed.
• Rotational pasture systems for meat chickens.
  

High and Low Tunnel Growing

• Differences between high tunnels and low tunnels: pros and cons.
• Building and installing cost-effective tunnels.
• Choosing crops for extended growing seasons in tunnels.
• Managing temperature, moisture, and airflow in covered systems.
• Maintaining tunnels through weather challenges (snow, wind, heat).

Orchard Management

• Selecting fruit and nut trees suited for small acreage and your climate.
• Soil preparation and planting techniques for young trees.
• Organic pest and disease management for orchards.
• Pruning basics for healthy, productive trees.
• Companion planting and cover crops in orchards.
• Maximizing yields with proper watering and fertilization.
• Harvesting and storing fruit for long-term use.

General Homesteading Tips

• Planning for year-round productivity on small acreage.
• Managing water systems efficiently (rain catchment, drip irrigation).
• Creating a sustainable waste management system.
• Balancing homestead life with other commitments.

Interactive Elements

• Hands-on demonstrations (e.g., soil testing, milking goats).
• Q&A sessions to address individual challenges.
• Resource recommendations for continued learning.

These topics complement the other aspects of homesteading, providing a holistic approach to making the most of a small homestead

Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills, this workshop offers practical tips and hands-on guidance to help you achieve your homesteading goals.