Ruth Bennett Community Farm

Join Corrie Spellman-Lopez for a hands-on workshop to learn how to propagation woody ornamental plants.We will experiment with plants such as figs and elderberries.

Introduction to fruit tree winter pruning with hands-on practice.This on-farm workshop will demonstrate winter fruit tree pruning for many diverse fruit trees and then includes hands-on experience practicing winter fruit tree pruning together at a community farm. Please dress in layers and wear or bring footwear that can get wet or muddy. This is mainly an outdoor event.

Come lend a hand on tasks to help the farm get ready for the spring season!Come lend a hand on tasks to help the farm get ready for the spring season! Tasks will include building and replacing beds, filling beds with soil and compost, cutting back overgrowth, mulching trees, and shoveling woodchips.Ages 12 and up (must be accompanied by an adult). No experience needed. Please wear close-toed shoes and bring layers (including a long-sleeve layer), and wear clothes that can get dirty. Bring your own water bottle.

Introduction to fruit tree winter pruning with hands-on practice.This on-farm workshop will demonstrate winter fruit tree pruning for many diverse fruit trees and then includes hands-on experience practicing winter fruit tree pruning together at a community farm. Please dress in layers and wear or bring footwear that can get wet or muddy. This is mainly an outdoor event.

Join us in making Vermicomposters from simple plastic bins to turn food scraps into “black gold” or rich compost.(Pre-registration required at least 24 hours in advance to participate in the event)Turn your food scraps into “black gold” with us! Join our hands-on workshop to create Vermicomposters from simple plastic bins and discover the magic of turning leftovers into rich, nutritious compost. With the help of hardworking earthworms and microorganisms, your food scraps will transform into worm castings—a powerhouse of nutrients, boasting 7 times more phosphates, 5 times more nitrogen, and 11 times more potash than your average soil. Plus, the

Learn how to make reusable metal cages for cut flower crop support. Cages will help you grow long, straight stems necessary for design work.(Pre-registration required at least 24 hours in advance to participate in the event)Learn how to make reusable metal cages for cut flower crop support. Cages will help you grow long, straight stems necessary for mixed bouquets and design work. Reusable cages take some investment to build up front, but they quickly pay off. You will save countless hours in labor and frustration (dealing with pounding posts, tangled one-use plastic netting, and a toppled, unusable bed of flowers).

Back by popular demand this hands-on workshop using two seasonal favorites habaneros and pawpaws will be a unique culinary experience!Join Jose Spellman-Lopez for this hands-on workshop to learn more about paw paws, native to the mid-Atlantic. This workshop will utilize paw paws to create a tasty value-added hot sauce.

Join us for a hands on look at using seasonal garden produce to make delicious peach salsaJoin Jose Spellman-Lope for a hands-on workshop using fruits and vegetables from the farm or garden to create yummy seasonal dishes with a focus on peach salsa

Learn how to thin your fruit and prevent pest and disease problems later in the summer and support healthy organic fruit productionJose Spellman-Lopez will lead this hands-on workshop on fruit thinning and pest and disease prevention. Support healthy organic fruit production with tips and tricks for spacing your fruits through thinning, without damaging your trees in the process. Other basic tips for spring orchard maintenance will be discussed.

This hands-on workshop will instruct growers in setting up efficient orchard irrigation systems using drip irrigation and orchard tubing.Join Jose Spellman-Lopez for a hands-on workshop to learn how to efficiently set up basic orchard irrigation systems to support your orchard during dry periods. Learn how to install basic orchard tubing, drip irrigation and set up irrigation that pinpoints specific plants.

This hands-on workshop will showcase winter orchard pruning techniques that support a healthy year for your fruit productionJose Spellman-Lopez will share winter pruning tips and tricks using the Ruth Bennett Community Farm's diverse orchard trees, vines and shrubs to model best practices for winter pruning.