Trees & Vines Classes
2024 Classes
Biodynamic Orcharding Seminar
Friday, January 19, 10:00-11:15 am
Held at CiderCon, Oregon Convention Center, Portland Oregon
Have you ever walked in an orchard and felt everything was “just right,” that there was an energy where you sensed the life? It’s likely that biodynamic practices were at work. In this session, we will walk through a season in an apple orchard relating typical orchard activities with seasonal rhythms and biodynamic practices. We’ll follow a year in an orchard from winter pruning to bloom and then through harvest where we begin the cosmic cycle again. Each of an apple trees’ growth stages – critical physiological developmental periods in its annual journey – require special understanding, stewardship, and attention that are enhanced through the use of biodynamics practices. We will discuss the use of each of the biodynamic preparations, the special role of silica, tree paste, and even pest peppers in relation to the biological realities and real-world situations every orchardist eventually encounters.
This class is being held at CiderCon in Portland, Oregon
For more information or to register go to CiderCon
Friday, January 19, 10:00-11:15 am
Held at CiderCon, Oregon Convention Center, Portland Oregon
Have you ever walked in an orchard and felt everything was “just right,” that there was an energy where you sensed the life? It’s likely that biodynamic practices were at work. In this session, we will walk through a season in an apple orchard relating typical orchard activities with seasonal rhythms and biodynamic practices. We’ll follow a year in an orchard from winter pruning to bloom and then through harvest where we begin the cosmic cycle again. Each of an apple trees’ growth stages – critical physiological developmental periods in its annual journey – require special understanding, stewardship, and attention that are enhanced through the use of biodynamics practices. We will discuss the use of each of the biodynamic preparations, the special role of silica, tree paste, and even pest peppers in relation to the biological realities and real-world situations every orchardist eventually encounters.
This class is being held at CiderCon in Portland, Oregon
For more information or to register go to CiderCon
Holistic Orchard Intensive Weekend
Saturday, June 8th at 10:00am and runs through Sunday afternoon June 9th, till 4ish.
Held at Heartsong Farm 859 Lost Nation Road, Northumberland, NH
Holistic orcharding involves a wide breadth of knowledge and timeliness, yet one fact stands clear — we can have beautiful apples grown without chemical intervention. Sustainable agriculture works only when we have fun and get people involved with growing healthy food. Our workshops point the way for organic apple growers to meet their unique site challenges.
Mike will lead participants in a walk through the orchard season. He will discuss the key role understory management and soil health plays in an organic orchard, and look at varietal and rootstock choices. Tree planting, pruning, grafting, branch training, and trunk protection will be woven into our time together along with a look at righteous equipment for the small-scale orchard. Mike will also identify insect and disease dynamics from a holistic perspective aimed at achieving maximum diversity, pointing out a few of the culprits and beneficial allies on hand around bloom time. Saturday evening includes a special farm to table four course meal paired with regional ciders and lots of good fellowship with other apple lovers.
This class is being held at Heartsong Farm in Northumberland, NH
For more information or to register go to Heartsong Farm
Saturday, June 8th at 10:00am and runs through Sunday afternoon June 9th, till 4ish.
Held at Heartsong Farm 859 Lost Nation Road, Northumberland, NH
Holistic orcharding involves a wide breadth of knowledge and timeliness, yet one fact stands clear — we can have beautiful apples grown without chemical intervention. Sustainable agriculture works only when we have fun and get people involved with growing healthy food. Our workshops point the way for organic apple growers to meet their unique site challenges.
Mike will lead participants in a walk through the orchard season. He will discuss the key role understory management and soil health plays in an organic orchard, and look at varietal and rootstock choices. Tree planting, pruning, grafting, branch training, and trunk protection will be woven into our time together along with a look at righteous equipment for the small-scale orchard. Mike will also identify insect and disease dynamics from a holistic perspective aimed at achieving maximum diversity, pointing out a few of the culprits and beneficial allies on hand around bloom time. Saturday evening includes a special farm to table four course meal paired with regional ciders and lots of good fellowship with other apple lovers.
This class is being held at Heartsong Farm in Northumberland, NH
For more information or to register go to Heartsong Farm
Biodynamic Orcharding
Saturday, June 22, 10am-1pm
Held at Awbury Arboretum Food Forest, 6336 Ardleigh St, Philadelphia, PA 19138
Join Mike Biltonen of Know Your Roots at Awbury Arboretum for a workshop on Biodynamic Orcharding. We will discuss the basics of holistic orcharding with a focus on biodynamic principles and practices including how to make and use biodynamic preparations to address insect pests, pathogens, nutrition, and fertility.
This class is being held at the Philadelphia Orchard Project in Philadelphia, PA 19138
For more information or to register go to Philadelphia Orchard Project
Saturday, June 22, 10am-1pm
Held at Awbury Arboretum Food Forest, 6336 Ardleigh St, Philadelphia, PA 19138
Join Mike Biltonen of Know Your Roots at Awbury Arboretum for a workshop on Biodynamic Orcharding. We will discuss the basics of holistic orcharding with a focus on biodynamic principles and practices including how to make and use biodynamic preparations to address insect pests, pathogens, nutrition, and fertility.
This class is being held at the Philadelphia Orchard Project in Philadelphia, PA 19138
For more information or to register go to Philadelphia Orchard Project
Know Your Roots Orcharding 16-part Series Webinar
Holistic Pomology: What’s It All About?
The Know Your Roots Orcharding Webinar Series: “Holistic Pomology: What’s It All About?” which was recorded in 2023 is still available for purchase. It covers many aspects of holistic orchard management with an organic and cosmic flavor. It includes material focusing primarily on apples, but touching on other perennial fruit crops, as well as plants and herbs that support ecological function within the farmscape.
Cost: $5 per class
If you have any questions or comment please email mike@knowyouroots.com
Cost: $5 per class
If you have any questions or comment please email mike@knowyouroots.com
For list of classes and registration click button
2023 Classes
Plants as Plant Medicines
Saturday, June 3, 2023 ~ 11:30-12:45 pm~ Earth Medicine Gathering
Held at 6 Circles Farm 1491 Caywood Rd, Lodi, NY
The richest resource we have in farming is all around us. The plants, many of which we simply walk right by on most days, offer infinite opportunities for improved pest management, plant health, and soil fertility in our daily farming practices and as a resource to displace the use of manufactured products, evolving ever closer to a true closed loop system of farming. In this class, I will discuss four plants that could have profound effects on how we grow food - comfrey, nettles, garlic, and horsetail. We will discuss the practical as well as the esoteric aspects and functions of each and how they may work individually as well as in concert towards nurturing a more regenerative future.
For more information go to Earth Medicine Gathering
Saturday, June 3, 2023 ~ 11:30-12:45 pm~ Earth Medicine Gathering
Held at 6 Circles Farm 1491 Caywood Rd, Lodi, NY
The richest resource we have in farming is all around us. The plants, many of which we simply walk right by on most days, offer infinite opportunities for improved pest management, plant health, and soil fertility in our daily farming practices and as a resource to displace the use of manufactured products, evolving ever closer to a true closed loop system of farming. In this class, I will discuss four plants that could have profound effects on how we grow food - comfrey, nettles, garlic, and horsetail. We will discuss the practical as well as the esoteric aspects and functions of each and how they may work individually as well as in concert towards nurturing a more regenerative future.
For more information go to Earth Medicine Gathering
Exploring Biodiversity - An Agronomic Perspective with Mike
Sunday, July 23, 2022 ~ 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Held at Grassroot Festival Trumansburg Fair Grounds, Trumansburg, NY 14886
"I believe that innovative, holistic farming holds the solutions to a viable, sustainable future for this planet. Farmers need to go where no one has gone before, where the universities and chemical companies don't want to go, where climate change and globalization are just daily considerations and not overwhelming conundrums." Join Mike, experienced orchardist and educator, in exploring topics related to saving the planet one farm at a time!
This class is held at the Grassroots Festival, admission ticket to Festival is required.
Sunday, July 23, 2022 ~ 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Held at Grassroot Festival Trumansburg Fair Grounds, Trumansburg, NY 14886
"I believe that innovative, holistic farming holds the solutions to a viable, sustainable future for this planet. Farmers need to go where no one has gone before, where the universities and chemical companies don't want to go, where climate change and globalization are just daily considerations and not overwhelming conundrums." Join Mike, experienced orchardist and educator, in exploring topics related to saving the planet one farm at a time!
This class is held at the Grassroots Festival, admission ticket to Festival is required.
Biodynamic Orcharding
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 3:30 - 5:00pm
Held at the National Biodynamic Conference, Westminster, Colorado
Have you ever walked in an orchard and felt everything was “just right,” that there was an energy where you sensed the life? It’s likely that biodynamic practices were at work. In this session, we will walk through a season in an apple orchard relating typical orchard activities with seasonal rhythms and biodynamic practices. We’ll follow a year in an orchard from winter pruning to bloom and then through harvest where we begin the cosmic cycle again. Each of an apple trees’ growth stages – critical physiological developmental periods in its annual journey – require special understanding, stewardship, and attention that are enhanced through the use of biodynamics practices. We will discuss the use of each of the biodynamic preparations, the special role of silica, tree paste, and even pest peppers in relation to the biological realities and real-world situations every orchardist eventually encounters.
This class will be held at the National Biodynamic Conference, Westminster, Colorado
For more information or to register, go to: National Biodynamic Conference
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 3:30 - 5:00pm
Held at the National Biodynamic Conference, Westminster, Colorado
Have you ever walked in an orchard and felt everything was “just right,” that there was an energy where you sensed the life? It’s likely that biodynamic practices were at work. In this session, we will walk through a season in an apple orchard relating typical orchard activities with seasonal rhythms and biodynamic practices. We’ll follow a year in an orchard from winter pruning to bloom and then through harvest where we begin the cosmic cycle again. Each of an apple trees’ growth stages – critical physiological developmental periods in its annual journey – require special understanding, stewardship, and attention that are enhanced through the use of biodynamics practices. We will discuss the use of each of the biodynamic preparations, the special role of silica, tree paste, and even pest peppers in relation to the biological realities and real-world situations every orchardist eventually encounters.
This class will be held at the National Biodynamic Conference, Westminster, Colorado
For more information or to register, go to: National Biodynamic Conference
2022 Classes
Impending Resilience: Why Biodynamics Is The Next Logical Step For Organic Orcharding.
Friday, January 21, 2022 ~ 4:00pm-5:30pm
Held at NOFA-NY Winter Conference (virtual)
Organic farming has reached a point where we need to build on and up from nearly 30 years of focused certified organic agriculture. We’ll expand on organic farming in a way that focuses on the farm as organism, the farmer as guide, and certain esoteric concepts that move how we treat the orchard and grow apples and tree fruit beyond the mechanistic constraints that confound much of modern organic farming. We’ll discuss the foundations of biodynamic agriculture, the preparations, using the biodynamic calendars, and specific applications such as sequential spraying in a way that brings everything into focus for anyone wishing to move into a new pomological realm. We will focus on apple production primarily, but also lean into other perennial fruit crops such as grapes, stone fruit, and nuts.
This class will be held at the NOFA-NY Winter Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY.
For more information or to register, go to: NOFA-NY
Mike's Mycology 101
Saturday, January 29, 2022 ~ 11:00am–1:00pm
Held at Lodi Whittier Library 8484 South Main Street, Lodi, NY 14860
Mike will be leading a discussion on how common mushrooms grow, propagate, and the potential health benefits of growing and eating mushrooms. He will also talk about the role of fungi in the environment and how they affect the world we live in.
This presentation is geared toward teens-adults and is sponsored by the Seneca County United Way, along with an abundance of books addressing fungi topics ranging from cultivation to culinary and from medicinal to mycelium science- picture books to reference texts.
This program is in-person at the Lodi Whittier Library. Registration is required, space is limited. Call 607-582-6218 or email director@lodilibrary.net or stop in to reserve. Masking is mandatory.
Mike's Mycology 101
Saturday, January 29, 2022 ~ 11:00am–1:00pm
Held at Lodi Whittier Library 8484 South Main Street, Lodi, NY 14860
Mike will be leading a discussion on how common mushrooms grow, propagate, and the potential health benefits of growing and eating mushrooms. He will also talk about the role of fungi in the environment and how they affect the world we live in.
This presentation is geared toward teens-adults and is sponsored by the Seneca County United Way, along with an abundance of books addressing fungi topics ranging from cultivation to culinary and from medicinal to mycelium science- picture books to reference texts.
This program is in-person at the Lodi Whittier Library. Registration is required, space is limited. Call 607-582-6218 or email director@lodilibrary.net or stop in to reserve. Masking is mandatory.
An Intro to Holistic Orcharding for Novice Growers
Wednesday, February 2 2022 ~ 100pm – 315pm
Held at CiderCon 2022 – Richmond, VA
In this seminar we will cover the basics of what to look for when you're seeking a site appropriate for your orchard, whether it be in your backyard, on the adjoining hillside, or in the next county. We will discuss climate, land, and soil characteristics as well as horticultural considerations you need to ponder before you plant the first tree. We will also cover the steps for designing and planting your first trees, as well as the first year’s management focus.
This class will be held at the CiderCon in Richmond, VA.
For more information or to register, go to: CiderCon
Advanced IPM for Holistic Tree Fruit Growers ~ PART I - INSECTS
Thursday, February 3, 2022 ~ 1:30pm-2:30pm
Held at CiderCon 2022 – Richmond, VA
In this workshop we’ll take a deep look at common insect pests of apple and pear orchards as well as dive into the principles and practices of modern integrated pest management (IPM) as they apply to holistic orchard management. We will spend the bulk of the time discussing control measures that include the using standard organic materials, nutrients, biostimulants, plant-based remedies, and biodynamic preparations. All will be presented within a context of growing dynamic, living cider fruit while managing a resilient orchard ecosystem for long term health and vitality.
This class will be held at the CiderCon in Richmond, VA.
For more information or to register, go to: CiderCon
Thursday, February 3, 2022 ~ 1:30pm-2:30pm
Held at CiderCon 2022 – Richmond, VA
In this workshop we’ll take a deep look at common insect pests of apple and pear orchards as well as dive into the principles and practices of modern integrated pest management (IPM) as they apply to holistic orchard management. We will spend the bulk of the time discussing control measures that include the using standard organic materials, nutrients, biostimulants, plant-based remedies, and biodynamic preparations. All will be presented within a context of growing dynamic, living cider fruit while managing a resilient orchard ecosystem for long term health and vitality.
This class will be held at the CiderCon in Richmond, VA.
For more information or to register, go to: CiderCon
Advanced IPM for Holistic Tree Fruit Growers ~ PART II - DISEASES
Thursday, February 3, 2022 – 3:30pm-4:30pm
Held at CiderCon 2022 – Richmond, VA
In this workshop we’ll take a deep look at common disease issues of apple and pear orchards as well as dive into the principles and practices of modern integrated pest management (IPM) as they apply to holistic orchard management. We will spend the bulk of the time discussing control measures that include the using standard organic materials, nutrients, biostimulants, plant-based remedies, and biodynamic preparations. All will be presented within a context of growing dynamic, living cider fruit while managing a resilient orchard ecosystem for long term health and vitality.
This class will be held at the CiderCon in Richmond, VA.
For more information or to register, go to: CiderCon
Thursday, February 3, 2022 – 3:30pm-4:30pm
Held at CiderCon 2022 – Richmond, VA
In this workshop we’ll take a deep look at common disease issues of apple and pear orchards as well as dive into the principles and practices of modern integrated pest management (IPM) as they apply to holistic orchard management. We will spend the bulk of the time discussing control measures that include the using standard organic materials, nutrients, biostimulants, plant-based remedies, and biodynamic preparations. All will be presented within a context of growing dynamic, living cider fruit while managing a resilient orchard ecosystem for long term health and vitality.
This class will be held at the CiderCon in Richmond, VA.
For more information or to register, go to: CiderCon
Mike's Mycology 101 (reprise)
Saturday, February 26, 2022 ~ 11:00am–1:00pm
Held at Lodi Whittier Library 8484 South Main Street, Lodi, NY 14860
Mike will be leading a discussion on how common mushrooms grow, propagate, and the potential health benefits of growing and eating mushrooms. He will also talk about the role of fungi in the environment and how they affect the world we live in.
This presentation is geared toward teens-adults and is sponsored by the Seneca County United Way, along with an abundance of books addressing fungi topics ranging from cultivation to culinary and from medicinal to mycelium science- picture books to reference texts.
This program is in-person at the Lodi Whittier Library. Registration is required, space is limited. Call 607-582-6218 or email director@lodilibrary.net or stop in to reserve. Masking is mandatory.
Saturday, February 26, 2022 ~ 11:00am–1:00pm
Held at Lodi Whittier Library 8484 South Main Street, Lodi, NY 14860
Mike will be leading a discussion on how common mushrooms grow, propagate, and the potential health benefits of growing and eating mushrooms. He will also talk about the role of fungi in the environment and how they affect the world we live in.
This presentation is geared toward teens-adults and is sponsored by the Seneca County United Way, along with an abundance of books addressing fungi topics ranging from cultivation to culinary and from medicinal to mycelium science- picture books to reference texts.
This program is in-person at the Lodi Whittier Library. Registration is required, space is limited. Call 607-582-6218 or email director@lodilibrary.net or stop in to reserve. Masking is mandatory.
Biodynamic Orcharding
Saturday March 12, 2022
Held at the Josephine Porter Institute, Floyd, VA
Join Josephine Porter Institute (JPI) for a day of Biodynamic Orcharding instruction, presented by JPI Board President Mike Biltonen of Know Your Roots! This workshop is suitable for total beginners as well as seasoned farmers and will include a morning session of classroom instruction followed by an afternoon of practical grafting, after which attendees will have their very own apple tree to take home.
The cost of this workshop is $125, which includes all learning materials, rootstock, and scion. JPI wishes this workshop to be open to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Partial scholarships are available - please send an email to jpiadmin@jpibiodynamics.org along with a poem or story or song, a drawing or painting or cartoon about apples, trees, farming, or whatever fills your spirit!
This class is held at the Josephine Porter Institute, Floyd, VA
For more information or to register, go to: Josephine Porter Institute
Saturday March 12, 2022
Held at the Josephine Porter Institute, Floyd, VA
Join Josephine Porter Institute (JPI) for a day of Biodynamic Orcharding instruction, presented by JPI Board President Mike Biltonen of Know Your Roots! This workshop is suitable for total beginners as well as seasoned farmers and will include a morning session of classroom instruction followed by an afternoon of practical grafting, after which attendees will have their very own apple tree to take home.
The cost of this workshop is $125, which includes all learning materials, rootstock, and scion. JPI wishes this workshop to be open to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Partial scholarships are available - please send an email to jpiadmin@jpibiodynamics.org along with a poem or story or song, a drawing or painting or cartoon about apples, trees, farming, or whatever fills your spirit!
This class is held at the Josephine Porter Institute, Floyd, VA
For more information or to register, go to: Josephine Porter Institute
Grow Your Own Mushrooms
Saturday, March 26, 2022 ~ 11:00am–1:00pm
Held at Lodi Whittier Library 8484 South Main Street, Lodi, NY 14860
We’ll start by reviewing the basics covered in Mike’s Mycology 101 and then move quickly to learning how to grow your own outdoor mushrooms. In this class we’ll cover the practical aspects of outdoor mushroom production including inoculating your own logs with shiitake spawn. Everyone will get an inoculated shiitake log to take home. All materials will be provided. Dress appropriately.
This program is in-person at the Lodi Whittier Library. Registration is required, space is limited. Call 607-582-6218 or email director@lodilibrary.net or stop in to reserve.
Saturday, March 26, 2022 ~ 11:00am–1:00pm
Held at Lodi Whittier Library 8484 South Main Street, Lodi, NY 14860
We’ll start by reviewing the basics covered in Mike’s Mycology 101 and then move quickly to learning how to grow your own outdoor mushrooms. In this class we’ll cover the practical aspects of outdoor mushroom production including inoculating your own logs with shiitake spawn. Everyone will get an inoculated shiitake log to take home. All materials will be provided. Dress appropriately.
This program is in-person at the Lodi Whittier Library. Registration is required, space is limited. Call 607-582-6218 or email director@lodilibrary.net or stop in to reserve.
A World of Apples
Saturday, October 8, 2022 ~ 11:00am–1:00pm
Held at Lodi Whittier Library 8484 South Main Street, Lodi, NY 14860
Come learn about the magic and beauty of apples. The myths, stories, and cultural place they hold in our hearts and minds makes apples one of the most revered and appreciated fruits we know. From the large cultivated orchards to smaller boutique orchards to the wildings we find across the landscape, the diversity of apples across the globe is something is takes a lifetime – maybe two! - to appreciate. Come learn about the history of apples, the vagaries of growing, the magic of foraging, and the opportunity and inspiration they hold for our collective future. I’ll have apples to sample, as well as cider, all in a dizzying display of colors and flavors as well as discussion and maybe even a few arguments (about our favorite apples!).
Saturday, October 8, 2022 ~ 11:00am–1:00pm
Held at Lodi Whittier Library 8484 South Main Street, Lodi, NY 14860
Come learn about the magic and beauty of apples. The myths, stories, and cultural place they hold in our hearts and minds makes apples one of the most revered and appreciated fruits we know. From the large cultivated orchards to smaller boutique orchards to the wildings we find across the landscape, the diversity of apples across the globe is something is takes a lifetime – maybe two! - to appreciate. Come learn about the history of apples, the vagaries of growing, the magic of foraging, and the opportunity and inspiration they hold for our collective future. I’ll have apples to sample, as well as cider, all in a dizzying display of colors and flavors as well as discussion and maybe even a few arguments (about our favorite apples!).
2021 Classes
Keepin’ It Sharp!
Saturday, July 31, 2021 ~ 10:00am -3:00pm
Held at 6031 Brook Road, Trumansburg, NY
As much as farming absolutely requires you to keep a sharp focus on what’s happening all around you, it may not always be as apparent that you need to keep your tools just as sharp. For orchardists – and farmers in general – we depend on our tools to be sharp and ready to go. Fortunately, Matt Kaminksy (aka Gnarly Pippins) will be joining us to demonstrate and teach you how to properly sharpen and care for a wide array of common orchard tools, such as chainsaw chains, grafting knives, pruning tools, saws, and scythes. This is a hands-on class, so bring your tools, files, and whetstones and learn how to properly sharpen, care for, and use them all.
Matt Kaminsky – aka Gnarly Pippins – is a master orchardist, itinerant tree grafter, climbing arborist, and wild apple forager who lives, works and forages in central Massachusetts. He has self-published several books including the Wild Apple Foragers Guide and Proceedings from the First Annual Wild & Seedling Pomological Exhibition. He will have both, as well as other Gnarly schwag, on hand for sale after the workshop.
There will be a cider tasting afterwards. Bring a glass, no live chainsaws or rattlesnakes once the cider tasting has commenced.
Cost $15 per person
Saturday, July 31, 2021 ~ 10:00am -3:00pm
Held at 6031 Brook Road, Trumansburg, NY
As much as farming absolutely requires you to keep a sharp focus on what’s happening all around you, it may not always be as apparent that you need to keep your tools just as sharp. For orchardists – and farmers in general – we depend on our tools to be sharp and ready to go. Fortunately, Matt Kaminksy (aka Gnarly Pippins) will be joining us to demonstrate and teach you how to properly sharpen and care for a wide array of common orchard tools, such as chainsaw chains, grafting knives, pruning tools, saws, and scythes. This is a hands-on class, so bring your tools, files, and whetstones and learn how to properly sharpen, care for, and use them all.
Matt Kaminsky – aka Gnarly Pippins – is a master orchardist, itinerant tree grafter, climbing arborist, and wild apple forager who lives, works and forages in central Massachusetts. He has self-published several books including the Wild Apple Foragers Guide and Proceedings from the First Annual Wild & Seedling Pomological Exhibition. He will have both, as well as other Gnarly schwag, on hand for sale after the workshop.
There will be a cider tasting afterwards. Bring a glass, no live chainsaws or rattlesnakes once the cider tasting has commenced.
Cost $15 per person
Holistic Pomology ~ Creating an Integrated Farm System From the Ground Up
Holistic Pomology is an 18-part online series (Zoom) of seminars and workshops where I will walk you through and we’ll discuss an entire apple season. While the focus will be primarily on apples, we will touch on many other tree and small fruit crops, as well as plants that support ecological function within the farmscape. We will take some detours, touching on important relevant concepts to provide some diversity. But the focus will be on what’s happening in your orchard throughout the year. You’re encouraged throughout the series to bring questions, comments, and concerns to each session – keep it relevant to the topic – including examples. These can be emailed ahead of time or brought up during the Q&A at the end of each session. Either way, these seminars are intended to be dynamic and rooted in real-world problem solving. Written resources and suggested readings will accompany each session so you can build your own library or just learn as we go along.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Holistic Pomology is an 18-part online series (Zoom) of seminars and workshops where I will walk you through and we’ll discuss an entire apple season. While the focus will be primarily on apples, we will touch on many other tree and small fruit crops, as well as plants that support ecological function within the farmscape. We will take some detours, touching on important relevant concepts to provide some diversity. But the focus will be on what’s happening in your orchard throughout the year. You’re encouraged throughout the series to bring questions, comments, and concerns to each session – keep it relevant to the topic – including examples. These can be emailed ahead of time or brought up during the Q&A at the end of each session. Either way, these seminars are intended to be dynamic and rooted in real-world problem solving. Written resources and suggested readings will accompany each session so you can build your own library or just learn as we go along.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Introduction - Holistic Orcharding
Saturday, March 13, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
An introduction to an online seminar series for holistic orchardists. We will discuss the basics of holistic orcharding with a biodynamic twist for progressive growers of all sizes. As well, we will discuss the outline for the seminar series including topics, dates, costs, and other important information as your season gets started. Click here to connect to the recording for the inside scoop on the series. Free!
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Holistic Growers
Saturday, March 20, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
An introduction to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for holistic orchardists. We will discuss the basics IPM in principle and practice, including concepts using historical, observations, pheromone trap monitoring, degree-day modeling and forecasts, and degree-day monitoring information. We’ll discuss the tools and technology available to everyone as we triangulate the IPM cornerstones of observation, technology, and practical solutions.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Saturday, March 20, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
An introduction to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for holistic orchardists. We will discuss the basics IPM in principle and practice, including concepts using historical, observations, pheromone trap monitoring, degree-day modeling and forecasts, and degree-day monitoring information. We’ll discuss the tools and technology available to everyone as we triangulate the IPM cornerstones of observation, technology, and practical solutions.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Tree Fruit Diseases – Apple
Saturday, March 27, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
An in depth look at the major early season tree fruit diseases of apple. We’ll describe and discuss the life cycles, epidemiology, management, and control options for apple scab, fireblight, cedar apple rust, powdery mildew, and Marssonina leaf botch. If time and interest allow, we may also discuss some pear and stone fruit diseases, though this primarily focused on apples. Later in the series we’ll discuss summer diseases and fruit rots.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Tree Fruit Physiology – The Basics
Saturday, April 10, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
Here we’ll dig beneath the surface to investigate the internal goings-on of plants – photosynthesis, respiration, shoot/root/seed growth and development, plant growth hormones, plant immune systems, water relations, and grafting and propagation. At a university level there are entire courses dedicated to each of these topics, so we’ll only be able to introduce and discuss these topics at an elementary level focusing on their practical application in the orchard. These topics will all be relevant to practical concern like plant growth and development, apple phenology, thinning and return bloom, plant immune systems, pest management, soil fertility, fruit maturation and ripening.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Tree Fruit Physiology – The Basics
Saturday, April 10, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
Here we’ll dig beneath the surface to investigate the internal goings-on of plants – photosynthesis, respiration, shoot/root/seed growth and development, plant growth hormones, plant immune systems, water relations, and grafting and propagation. At a university level there are entire courses dedicated to each of these topics, so we’ll only be able to introduce and discuss these topics at an elementary level focusing on their practical application in the orchard. These topics will all be relevant to practical concern like plant growth and development, apple phenology, thinning and return bloom, plant immune systems, pest management, soil fertility, fruit maturation and ripening.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Integrating Livestock into Your Orchard
Saturday, April 17, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
Livestock are a critical missing component from many farms and orchards in as much as they bring vitality and fertility and pest control to the farmscape. Cows, sheep, pigs, duck, chickens, and even wildlife all play a role. We’ll discuss the role of livestock, different breeds, issues involved with having livestock, and more in this exciting session. I may try to bring in a guest speaker to talk about this and provide some diversity of opinion (TBD).
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Soils, Fertility, and Plant Nutrition
Saturday, April 24, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
Soils are the foundation of any farm or orchard. Without healthy soils, plants can’t thrive and you can’t raise nutrient dense food. In this session, we’ll discuss the basics of soils, what makes them up, what supports them, how they support you, and basically digging into the fact that soils are more than just dirt. Soil biology, chemistry, nutrition, fertility, and ways to revitalize and balance used and abused soils. At a university level there are entire courses dedicated to each of these topics, so we’ll only be able to introduce and discuss these topics at an elementary level focusing on their practical application in the orchard.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Saturday, April 24, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
Soils are the foundation of any farm or orchard. Without healthy soils, plants can’t thrive and you can’t raise nutrient dense food. In this session, we’ll discuss the basics of soils, what makes them up, what supports them, how they support you, and basically digging into the fact that soils are more than just dirt. Soil biology, chemistry, nutrition, fertility, and ways to revitalize and balance used and abused soils. At a university level there are entire courses dedicated to each of these topics, so we’ll only be able to introduce and discuss these topics at an elementary level focusing on their practical application in the orchard.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Early Season Insect Pests - Apple
Saturday, May 8, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
Insect pests can provide some of the most confounding and confusing aspects of holistic orcharding. From mites and scale to codling moth and plum curculio, each insect pest has a unique life cycle, level of importance, and effective control strategy. We’ll discuss this and more including the use of beneficial insects, biological organisms, and biodynamics to understand and control the major early season insect pests in an apple orchard.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Saturday, May 8, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
Insect pests can provide some of the most confounding and confusing aspects of holistic orcharding. From mites and scale to codling moth and plum curculio, each insect pest has a unique life cycle, level of importance, and effective control strategy. We’ll discuss this and more including the use of beneficial insects, biological organisms, and biodynamics to understand and control the major early season insect pests in an apple orchard.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Orchard Design, Layout, and Preparation
Saturday, May 22, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
If you don’t have an orchard, but plan on planting one in the near future, how you prepare the site and get everything from soils, water, equipment, deer fence, etc. ready is critical to your long-term success. We’ll discuss it all here using a real-life example of an orchard I am currently helping establish. What makes a good orchard site? How do I prepare the soil? Do I need irrigation? What varieties work best? How do I even plant a tree? We’ll cover it all and more.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Orchard Design, Layout, and Preparation
Saturday, May 22, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
If you don’t have an orchard, but plan on planting one in the near future, how you prepare the site and get everything from soils, water, equipment, deer fence, etc. ready is critical to your long-term success. We’ll discuss it all here using a real-life example of an orchard I am currently helping establish. What makes a good orchard site? How do I prepare the soil? Do I need irrigation? What varieties work best? How do I even plant a tree? We’ll cover it all and more.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Crop Load Management & Fruit Thinning
Saturday, June 5, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
By now everyone should have had set a crop of fruit, or at least one on the way soon. Now is the time to begin adjusting or thinning the crop load to something reasonable for the tree to ensure quality fruit production, healthy trees, and return bloom. There are a number of ways to achieve this from blossom thinning to sprays to hand thinning to simply letting nature take its course. But whatever you do, how you manage crop load will have profound implications on the health, fruit quality and future productivity of your orchard.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Crop Load Management & Fruit Thinning
Saturday, June 5, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
By now everyone should have had set a crop of fruit, or at least one on the way soon. Now is the time to begin adjusting or thinning the crop load to something reasonable for the tree to ensure quality fruit production, healthy trees, and return bloom. There are a number of ways to achieve this from blossom thinning to sprays to hand thinning to simply letting nature take its course. But whatever you do, how you manage crop load will have profound implications on the health, fruit quality and future productivity of your orchard.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
The Promise of Biodynamics
Livestreamed from Earth Medicine Gathering
Saturday, June 12, 2021 ~ Time TBD
This workshop will be presented live (we hope) from the Earth Medicine Gathering in Lodi, NY. This is an abbreviated version of a longer workshop I’ve offered. Here we will dive into the beginnings of biodynamic agriculture, some esoteric aspects, the preparations (both making them and using them), and ultimately highlighting what it means to be a biodynamic farmer and orchardist. Even if we can’t livestream, the seminar will be recorded and sent to everyone that signs up. For more information or to register for the Earth Medicine Gathering.
Building a Diverse Orchard Ecosystem – Beyond Apples!
Saturday, June 26, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
Building an orchard or farm ecosystem means so much more than just the crop plants you intend to grow. Here we will discuss the plants you can place into the orchard to help support your primary or crop plant. We’ll discuss ecosystem design and function, different plants and their functions, their utility, and ultimately what they mean to overall health of your trees, orchard, and You!
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Saturday, June 26, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
Building an orchard or farm ecosystem means so much more than just the crop plants you intend to grow. Here we will discuss the plants you can place into the orchard to help support your primary or crop plant. We’ll discuss ecosystem design and function, different plants and their functions, their utility, and ultimately what they mean to overall health of your trees, orchard, and You!
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Midseason Insect Pests - Apple
Saturday, July 17, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
So, we’re close to the midpoint of the season. We’ve already taken care of the early season insects and now it’s time to investigate mid and late season pest including early season pests with multiple generations. Mites, codling moth, Obliquebanded leafroller, borers, and more enter stage right and take over where sawfly, curculio, and other left off. We’ll look at in a different light than we did just a few weeks ago since we’re getting close to cruise control mode. We’ll discuss their life cycles, ecological and economic importance, and more including the use of beneficial insects, biological organisms, and biodynamics to understand and control the major mid-season insect pests in an apple orchard.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Saturday, July 17, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
So, we’re close to the midpoint of the season. We’ve already taken care of the early season insects and now it’s time to investigate mid and late season pest including early season pests with multiple generations. Mites, codling moth, Obliquebanded leafroller, borers, and more enter stage right and take over where sawfly, curculio, and other left off. We’ll look at in a different light than we did just a few weeks ago since we’re getting close to cruise control mode. We’ll discuss their life cycles, ecological and economic importance, and more including the use of beneficial insects, biological organisms, and biodynamics to understand and control the major mid-season insect pests in an apple orchard.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Summer Diseases and Fruit Rots
Saturday, July 31, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
While many summer diseases are merely cosmetic, others can destroy a crop right before your eyes. We’ll discuss what can happen with fireblight, Marsoninna leaf blotch (again), sooty blotch and flyspeck, the various fruit rots, and more. Each has a unique role and need focused attention. We’ll describe and discuss the life cycles, epidemiology, management, and control options for each, and leave you to ponder the impacts that uncontrolled diseases can have on your crop – next year!
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Saturday, July 31, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
While many summer diseases are merely cosmetic, others can destroy a crop right before your eyes. We’ll discuss what can happen with fireblight, Marsoninna leaf blotch (again), sooty blotch and flyspeck, the various fruit rots, and more. Each has a unique role and need focused attention. We’ll describe and discuss the life cycles, epidemiology, management, and control options for each, and leave you to ponder the impacts that uncontrolled diseases can have on your crop – next year!
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
The Promise of Biodynamics ~ Reprise
Saturday, August 13, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
This is an abbreviated version of a longer workshop I’ve offered. Here we will dive into the beginnings of biodynamic agriculture, a few esoteric aspects, the preparations (both making them and using them), and ultimately highlighting what it means to be a biodynamic farmer and orchardist. Although it portends to be a repeat of the earlier presentation, this one will shed light on the use biodynamics late season – what to prepare for during the fall and even next year.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Harvest Preparations – harvest, handling, storage, and more
Saturday, September 4, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
You’ve done the hard work, now comes the fun – harvest! Getting prepared for harvest is critical. From the harvest tools, to timing, to handling and storage – all will depend on a keen eye for detail and the ability to get things done efficiently. We’ll discuss different modes of harvest, handling and storage. How to time your harvest exactly right. This will be both a technical and practical understanding of the fruit maturation and ripening process and how to handle fruit whether it is for fresh, processing, cider, or something else.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Harvest Preparations – harvest, handling, storage, and more
Saturday, September 4, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
You’ve done the hard work, now comes the fun – harvest! Getting prepared for harvest is critical. From the harvest tools, to timing, to handling and storage – all will depend on a keen eye for detail and the ability to get things done efficiently. We’ll discuss different modes of harvest, handling and storage. How to time your harvest exactly right. This will be both a technical and practical understanding of the fruit maturation and ripening process and how to handle fruit whether it is for fresh, processing, cider, or something else.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Winterizing the Orchard
Saturday, November 13, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
Harvest is over. The fruit is in the barn – and you’re ready to put the orchard to bed for the winter. Understanding what happens at the tail-end of the season, the things you can do to ensure happy, healthy trees next spring – late season fertility considerations, biodynamic tree paste, vole and critter protection, when you can start pruning, grafting considerations, and more. I’ve always said that the time to start thinking about next year is right after the last apple was picked this year. It’s never too early. So take a breath and we’ll dive right back in!
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Winterizing the Orchard
Saturday, November 13, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
Harvest is over. The fruit is in the barn – and you’re ready to put the orchard to bed for the winter. Understanding what happens at the tail-end of the season, the things you can do to ensure happy, healthy trees next spring – late season fertility considerations, biodynamic tree paste, vole and critter protection, when you can start pruning, grafting considerations, and more. I’ve always said that the time to start thinking about next year is right after the last apple was picked this year. It’s never too early. So take a breath and we’ll dive right back in!
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Pruning and Training
Saturday, December 4, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
Whether your trees are 4 or 40 years old, pruning and training trees is some of the critical and fun stuff you’ll do throughout the year. But there are some basic considerations to pay attention to. Pruning and training is as much an art as it is a science. But if you don’t understand the science, then the art suffers. With pruning and training there objectives you are trying to achieve – sunlight, air, architecture, balanced aged wood – that require an understanding of why you make certain cuts before you actually make them. Like everything else we’ve discussed – and why this all “integrated” – pruning and training can both make or break the success of your orchard.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Pruning and Training
Saturday, December 4, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
Whether your trees are 4 or 40 years old, pruning and training trees is some of the critical and fun stuff you’ll do throughout the year. But there are some basic considerations to pay attention to. Pruning and training is as much an art as it is a science. But if you don’t understand the science, then the art suffers. With pruning and training there objectives you are trying to achieve – sunlight, air, architecture, balanced aged wood – that require an understanding of why you make certain cuts before you actually make them. Like everything else we’ve discussed – and why this all “integrated” – pruning and training can both make or break the success of your orchard.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
Bringing it All Together
Saturday December 18, 2021 ~ 8:30-10:00am
As promised, this is the point where we will review the entire year. We’ll tie concepts and practices together, integrating and interconnecting our knowledge into comprehensive systems approach to growing the best fruit around. This will be an “open” session where will summarize everything – bring questions, answers, successes and failures so that we can all share and learn from what will end of up being an amazing journey.
Cost: $10 per class or $150 for complete series
2020 Classes
The Promise of Biodynamics 2020
Saturday, March 14, 2020 ~ 10am-4pm
Held at Redbyrd Orchard 4115 Newtown Rd Burdett, NY 14818
Rudolf Steiner framed the need for biodynamics by saying the poor quality of food we were eating was seriously diminishing our capacity to interact on a spiritual level and achieve the things we were capable of as a species. And this was in the 1920s!
The Promise of Biodynamics 2020 focuses on creating an agronomic foundation for the practical use of biodynamics in most farm and orchard settings. Revitalizing our farms and orchards so that the food we produce and eat allows us to achieve a higher energetic level in concert with nature as a clear path to healing ourselves and the planet. In this course, we will cover basic and advanced concepts of biodynamics tying them to practical farming and orcharding techniques. And since we’re on the cusp of a new spring, we’ll also discuss waking up your farm and orchard biodynamically.
Cost: $55/$45 (pre-register by March 1)
Saturday, March 14, 2020 ~ 10am-4pm
Held at Redbyrd Orchard 4115 Newtown Rd Burdett, NY 14818
Rudolf Steiner framed the need for biodynamics by saying the poor quality of food we were eating was seriously diminishing our capacity to interact on a spiritual level and achieve the things we were capable of as a species. And this was in the 1920s!
The Promise of Biodynamics 2020 focuses on creating an agronomic foundation for the practical use of biodynamics in most farm and orchard settings. Revitalizing our farms and orchards so that the food we produce and eat allows us to achieve a higher energetic level in concert with nature as a clear path to healing ourselves and the planet. In this course, we will cover basic and advanced concepts of biodynamics tying them to practical farming and orcharding techniques. And since we’re on the cusp of a new spring, we’ll also discuss waking up your farm and orchard biodynamically.
Cost: $55/$45 (pre-register by March 1)
Transitioning Conventional Perennial Crops to Organic and Beyond!!
Postponed due to COVID-19, check back later for updates.
Held at Human Services Complex, Rm 120, Montour Falls, NY
Thinking of transitioning an apple orchard and perennial fruiting system from conventional system to an organic/holistic/biodynamic system? This workshop focuses on the practices you’ll need to consider in order to complete a successful transition. Brought to you by Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County.
Workshop fee is $30, pre-registration is required, go to Transitioning Conventional Orchards
Postponed due to COVID-19, check back later for updates.
Held at Human Services Complex, Rm 120, Montour Falls, NY
Thinking of transitioning an apple orchard and perennial fruiting system from conventional system to an organic/holistic/biodynamic system? This workshop focuses on the practices you’ll need to consider in order to complete a successful transition. Brought to you by Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County.
Workshop fee is $30, pre-registration is required, go to Transitioning Conventional Orchards
The Promise of Biodynamics 2020
Postponed due to COVID-19, check back later for updates.
Held at Midsummer Farm, Warwick, NY.
Rudolf Steiner framed the need for biodynamics by saying the poor quality of food we were eating was seriously diminishing our capacity to interact on a spiritual level and achieve the things we were capable of as a species. And this was in the 1920s! The Promise of Biodynamics 2020 focuses on creating an agronomic foundation for the practical use of biodynamics in most farm and orchard settings. Revitalizing our farms and orchards so that the food we produce and eat allows us to achieve a higher energetic level in concert with nature as a clear path to healing ourselves and the planet. In this course, we will cover basic and advanced concepts of biodynamics tying them to practical farming and orcharding techniques. And since we’re on the cusp of a new spring, we’ll also discuss waking up your farm and orchard biodynamically.
Pre-registration is required, go to Midsummer Farm.
Postponed due to COVID-19, check back later for updates.
Held at Midsummer Farm, Warwick, NY.
Rudolf Steiner framed the need for biodynamics by saying the poor quality of food we were eating was seriously diminishing our capacity to interact on a spiritual level and achieve the things we were capable of as a species. And this was in the 1920s! The Promise of Biodynamics 2020 focuses on creating an agronomic foundation for the practical use of biodynamics in most farm and orchard settings. Revitalizing our farms and orchards so that the food we produce and eat allows us to achieve a higher energetic level in concert with nature as a clear path to healing ourselves and the planet. In this course, we will cover basic and advanced concepts of biodynamics tying them to practical farming and orcharding techniques. And since we’re on the cusp of a new spring, we’ll also discuss waking up your farm and orchard biodynamically.
Pre-registration is required, go to Midsummer Farm.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Regenerative Orchardists
Postponed due to COVID-19, check back later for updates.
Held at Indian Creek Farm/Cummins Nursery 1408 Trumansburg Road, Ithaca 14850
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is not a static science or set of practices, it is a dynamic and practical toolkit that serves all growers equally...if they know how to use it. As we move towards a more holistic future, the power of IPM as science and practice increases our ability to manage pest pressures and ensure crop productivity without the use of toxic chemicals and fertilizers. In this workshop, we’ll discuss primary and secondary spring insect and disease pests of apples, IPM tools and strategies, use of biodynamic preps, developing a disease suppressive soil, and even create a skeleton spray program for a typical northeastern apple grower. We'll cover basic spray application theory and practice, as well. We'll spend a good portion of the time in the field (weather pending), so come prepared.
Cost: $55/$45 (pre-register by Apr 4)
Postponed due to COVID-19, check back later for updates.
Held at Indian Creek Farm/Cummins Nursery 1408 Trumansburg Road, Ithaca 14850
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is not a static science or set of practices, it is a dynamic and practical toolkit that serves all growers equally...if they know how to use it. As we move towards a more holistic future, the power of IPM as science and practice increases our ability to manage pest pressures and ensure crop productivity without the use of toxic chemicals and fertilizers. In this workshop, we’ll discuss primary and secondary spring insect and disease pests of apples, IPM tools and strategies, use of biodynamic preps, developing a disease suppressive soil, and even create a skeleton spray program for a typical northeastern apple grower. We'll cover basic spray application theory and practice, as well. We'll spend a good portion of the time in the field (weather pending), so come prepared.
Cost: $55/$45 (pre-register by Apr 4)
Radical Pomology! Orchard Ecosystem Management
Postponed due to COVID-19, check back later for updates.
Location – Trumansburg, NY. Specific Location – TBD
As Regenerative Agriculture becomes the rallying cry of progressive farmers everywhere, comprehensively understanding Soil Health, Plant Stress, & Understory Management is critical to stewarding your orchard ecosystem towards a balanced and vibrant state. Soil health is no longer just viewed as simple chemical and mineral inputs, but on managing the underlying soil food web (biology), as well as biochemical and mineral interactions. Good soil health drives healthy plants which in turn feed the soil food web that creates a disease suppressive soil. Managing plant stress ensures healthy plant compounds that drive its own immunity process are fully functioning. Ecosystem Management is a comprehensive, holistic approach underlying a basic understanding that the orchard is an interactive biologically-driven organism unto itself. Cabon sequestration, composting, Indigenous MicroOrganisms, compost teas, biochar, and other regenerative practices will be discussed.
Cost: $55/$45 (pre-register by Apr 25)
Postponed due to COVID-19, check back later for updates.
Location – Trumansburg, NY. Specific Location – TBD
As Regenerative Agriculture becomes the rallying cry of progressive farmers everywhere, comprehensively understanding Soil Health, Plant Stress, & Understory Management is critical to stewarding your orchard ecosystem towards a balanced and vibrant state. Soil health is no longer just viewed as simple chemical and mineral inputs, but on managing the underlying soil food web (biology), as well as biochemical and mineral interactions. Good soil health drives healthy plants which in turn feed the soil food web that creates a disease suppressive soil. Managing plant stress ensures healthy plant compounds that drive its own immunity process are fully functioning. Ecosystem Management is a comprehensive, holistic approach underlying a basic understanding that the orchard is an interactive biologically-driven organism unto itself. Cabon sequestration, composting, Indigenous MicroOrganisms, compost teas, biochar, and other regenerative practices will be discussed.
Cost: $55/$45 (pre-register by Apr 25)
Regenerative Orcharding for the Summer Season
Postponed due to COVID-19, check back later for updates.
Location – Trumansburg, NY. Specific Location – TBD
We're at the midpoint of the season. The crop is set. The bulk of the insect and disease pests are out of the way, now all we have to do is guide the orchard to the finish line. Right! Now the fun really begins. Summer disease and insect pests can be as problematic as the early spring ones. Setting the orchard up for a quality productive crop, but also good return bloom are critical steps in the life cycle of any apple orchard. We'll also cover primary and secondary summer insect and disease pests of apples, IPM tools and strategies, use of biodynamic preps, and even create a summer spray program for the typical northeastern apple grower. We'll spend a good portion of the time in the field [weather pending], so come prepared.
Cost: $55/$45(pre-register by Jun 13)
Postponed due to COVID-19, check back later for updates.
Location – Trumansburg, NY. Specific Location – TBD
We're at the midpoint of the season. The crop is set. The bulk of the insect and disease pests are out of the way, now all we have to do is guide the orchard to the finish line. Right! Now the fun really begins. Summer disease and insect pests can be as problematic as the early spring ones. Setting the orchard up for a quality productive crop, but also good return bloom are critical steps in the life cycle of any apple orchard. We'll also cover primary and secondary summer insect and disease pests of apples, IPM tools and strategies, use of biodynamic preps, and even create a summer spray program for the typical northeastern apple grower. We'll spend a good portion of the time in the field [weather pending], so come prepared.
Cost: $55/$45(pre-register by Jun 13)
Fundamentals of Plant Communication
Postponed due to COVID-19, check back later for updates.
Location – Trumansburg, NY. Specific Location – TBD
The fact that plants do in fact communicate with each other is no longer highly controversial. They may not communicate in the way the way humans or other organisms communicate with each other, but they do send out signals in times of need or stress – or just to say hi. This communication system runs through what I call the plant's neural network. That is, a network of 'synapses' and 'neurons' maintained and enhanced by appropriate soil and plant health. As we begin to understand the physiological, biochemical and spiritual aspects of how plants communicate and how we can interact with plants [as stewards], we can use this knowledge and wisdom to encourage a holistic plant ecosystem beneficial to growing nutritious food.
Cost: $55/$45 (pre-register by Jul 4)
Postponed due to COVID-19, check back later for updates.
Location – Trumansburg, NY. Specific Location – TBD
The fact that plants do in fact communicate with each other is no longer highly controversial. They may not communicate in the way the way humans or other organisms communicate with each other, but they do send out signals in times of need or stress – or just to say hi. This communication system runs through what I call the plant's neural network. That is, a network of 'synapses' and 'neurons' maintained and enhanced by appropriate soil and plant health. As we begin to understand the physiological, biochemical and spiritual aspects of how plants communicate and how we can interact with plants [as stewards], we can use this knowledge and wisdom to encourage a holistic plant ecosystem beneficial to growing nutritious food.
Cost: $55/$45 (pre-register by Jul 4)
Putting the Orchard to Bed
Postponed due to COVID-19, check back later for updates.
Location – Trumansburg, NY. Specific Location – TBD
The end of another long growing season is nearly upon us. Now is the time to help the orchard relax and settle into its winter slumber. The winter season is the time when the orchard and trees rest and contract, breathing in the cosmic forces as they re-energize in preparation for another growing season that's just around the corner. Practices may include the use of biodynamic tree paste, use of other biodynamic preparations, nutrient applications for bud health, lime or compost applications, tree painting, weeding, rodent control, and more. We'll discuss strategies for ensuring that your orchard goes into the winter healthy and strong, ready to get ready for the next growing season.
Cost: $55/$45(pre-register by Oct 3)
Postponed due to COVID-19, check back later for updates.
Location – Trumansburg, NY. Specific Location – TBD
The end of another long growing season is nearly upon us. Now is the time to help the orchard relax and settle into its winter slumber. The winter season is the time when the orchard and trees rest and contract, breathing in the cosmic forces as they re-energize in preparation for another growing season that's just around the corner. Practices may include the use of biodynamic tree paste, use of other biodynamic preparations, nutrient applications for bud health, lime or compost applications, tree painting, weeding, rodent control, and more. We'll discuss strategies for ensuring that your orchard goes into the winter healthy and strong, ready to get ready for the next growing season.
Cost: $55/$45(pre-register by Oct 3)
2019 Classes
Finger Lakes Permaculture Tour 2019
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Held at Know Your Roots' Apostrophe Orchard ~ 3880 Searsburg Rd, Hector
Establishing Orchards Using Permaculture Principles workshop ~ 10:30am
Know Your Roots' focus on orchards as ecosystems rather than production systems through the use of permaculture, polyculture, organic, and biodynamic farming practices reveals the secrets to healthy farming. These, of course, begin with a deep visceral understanding of orchard biology and ecology. Several regenerative practices, including discussions on how to establish a holistic orchard, that contribute to the health of the orchard will be demonstrated. The basis of this orchard's ecosystem health is a concept known as 'Benign Neglect'. Know Your Roots is a family business with a passion for and commitment to the planet.
Site tour at 1:30pm
Registration is required at Finger Lakes Permaculture Tour 2019
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Held at Know Your Roots' Apostrophe Orchard ~ 3880 Searsburg Rd, Hector
Establishing Orchards Using Permaculture Principles workshop ~ 10:30am
Know Your Roots' focus on orchards as ecosystems rather than production systems through the use of permaculture, polyculture, organic, and biodynamic farming practices reveals the secrets to healthy farming. These, of course, begin with a deep visceral understanding of orchard biology and ecology. Several regenerative practices, including discussions on how to establish a holistic orchard, that contribute to the health of the orchard will be demonstrated. The basis of this orchard's ecosystem health is a concept known as 'Benign Neglect'. Know Your Roots is a family business with a passion for and commitment to the planet.
Site tour at 1:30pm
Registration is required at Finger Lakes Permaculture Tour 2019
2018 Classes
THE PROMISE OF BIODYNAMICS
A Two-Part Intensive Workshop Series for Bio-Intensive Orchards and Vineyards
This two-part workshop series focuses on the philosophy and applied practices of biodynamics for orchardists and viticulturists. It is intended to create a foundation for comprehensive bio-intensive farming practices based on the biodynamic approach. Biodynamics is more than just the next step in organic farming, because it is more than just input substitution. It is a philosophy – practical and otherwise – that engages the farm as an organism and utilizes the natural and spiritual energies of the surroundings to enliven the farm for the production of food, medicine, and the human spirit.
This workshop series is more than just an advanced ‘how to’ approach to organic farming. It is designed to teach and extend the philosophy of biodynamics as based on the tenets of anthroposophy – human wisdom and observation – as set out by Rudolf Steiner and based on the teachings of Goethe. And this begins with the food we eat. The basic understanding being that the quality of what we eat is based on how we grow it and the energy we put into it; all of which comes back to us in a higher more enlivened state.
“The bio-dynamic method of agriculture, developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1924, endeavors to encourage the natural tendencies of intrinsic activity in the building up of form and substance in plant, soil and animal. For healthy plant growth it is necessary to apply different methods of management not directly to the plant, but to its surroundings. When carrying out his special endeavor, the more the farmer can bear in mind the totality of his farm – fields, meadows, forests, livestock, crop rotation, etc. – the more it can begin to take shape as an organism, with its individual place in the landscape. In this way the life processes in agriculture are intensified by comparison to those in nature. They support the plant in its intrinsic activity.”
SIGN UP FOR PART 1, PART II OR BOTH SESSIONS
A Two-Part Intensive Workshop Series for Bio-Intensive Orchards and Vineyards
This two-part workshop series focuses on the philosophy and applied practices of biodynamics for orchardists and viticulturists. It is intended to create a foundation for comprehensive bio-intensive farming practices based on the biodynamic approach. Biodynamics is more than just the next step in organic farming, because it is more than just input substitution. It is a philosophy – practical and otherwise – that engages the farm as an organism and utilizes the natural and spiritual energies of the surroundings to enliven the farm for the production of food, medicine, and the human spirit.
This workshop series is more than just an advanced ‘how to’ approach to organic farming. It is designed to teach and extend the philosophy of biodynamics as based on the tenets of anthroposophy – human wisdom and observation – as set out by Rudolf Steiner and based on the teachings of Goethe. And this begins with the food we eat. The basic understanding being that the quality of what we eat is based on how we grow it and the energy we put into it; all of which comes back to us in a higher more enlivened state.
“The bio-dynamic method of agriculture, developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1924, endeavors to encourage the natural tendencies of intrinsic activity in the building up of form and substance in plant, soil and animal. For healthy plant growth it is necessary to apply different methods of management not directly to the plant, but to its surroundings. When carrying out his special endeavor, the more the farmer can bear in mind the totality of his farm – fields, meadows, forests, livestock, crop rotation, etc. – the more it can begin to take shape as an organism, with its individual place in the landscape. In this way the life processes in agriculture are intensified by comparison to those in nature. They support the plant in its intrinsic activity.”
SIGN UP FOR PART 1, PART II OR BOTH SESSIONS
The Promise of Biodynamics – PART II – Practical Applications
Saturday, August 12, 2018 ~ 8:00am-5:00pm
Held at Finger Lakes Cider House, Interlaken, NY and HJ Wiemer Vineyards, Dundee, NY
Detailed Description: Know Your Roots’ Biodynamics workshop series continues where it left off: at the Finger Lakes Cider House. The morning session starts by discussing the beginnings of biodynamics, the foundational principles, the preps in form and function, discussing orchards that are using biodynamic principles and practices to further the productive and resilient capacity of their farms, and a brief tour of the Good Life Farm orchards.
There will be a short break with Q&A and early lunch before we hop in our vehicles and trek over to HJ Wiemer Vineyards where we’ll discuss their biodynamic practices with Thijs Verschurren, HJ Wiemer Vineyard’s vineyard manager. We’ll help dig summer preps, experience their flow form for mixing them, demonstrate prep application, and revel in the grand beauty of their biodynamically certified vineyards. There will be an OPTIONAL wine tasting after the class (cost not included).
COST
$100 All fees include catered lunch and informational materials.
Cancellation
100% refundable if you cancel by July 28, no refunds for cancellations after July 28
All fees includes lunch catered by Finger Lakes Cider House and informational materials.
To register, go to the Finger Lakes Cider House
FULL AGENDA – August 12, 2018
8:00 Registration and Coffee
8:15 Beginnings of biodynamics
8:30 Foundational principles
8:45 Biodynamic Preps in form and function
9:15 Case Study orchards using biodynamic principles and practices
10:45 Brief tour of the Good Life Farm orchards.
11:30 Lunch
Noon Leave for HJ Wiemer Vineyards*
1:00 Arrive at HJ Wiemer
1:00-5:00 Dig summer preps, experience mixing preps using a flow form for mixing them, demonstrate prep application, and revel in the grand beauty of their biodynamically certified vineyards.
5:00 Wine Tasting (OPTIONAL, cost not included)
Saturday, August 12, 2018 ~ 8:00am-5:00pm
Held at Finger Lakes Cider House, Interlaken, NY and HJ Wiemer Vineyards, Dundee, NY
Detailed Description: Know Your Roots’ Biodynamics workshop series continues where it left off: at the Finger Lakes Cider House. The morning session starts by discussing the beginnings of biodynamics, the foundational principles, the preps in form and function, discussing orchards that are using biodynamic principles and practices to further the productive and resilient capacity of their farms, and a brief tour of the Good Life Farm orchards.
There will be a short break with Q&A and early lunch before we hop in our vehicles and trek over to HJ Wiemer Vineyards where we’ll discuss their biodynamic practices with Thijs Verschurren, HJ Wiemer Vineyard’s vineyard manager. We’ll help dig summer preps, experience their flow form for mixing them, demonstrate prep application, and revel in the grand beauty of their biodynamically certified vineyards. There will be an OPTIONAL wine tasting after the class (cost not included).
COST
$100 All fees include catered lunch and informational materials.
Cancellation
100% refundable if you cancel by July 28, no refunds for cancellations after July 28
All fees includes lunch catered by Finger Lakes Cider House and informational materials.
To register, go to the Finger Lakes Cider House
FULL AGENDA – August 12, 2018
8:00 Registration and Coffee
8:15 Beginnings of biodynamics
8:30 Foundational principles
8:45 Biodynamic Preps in form and function
9:15 Case Study orchards using biodynamic principles and practices
10:45 Brief tour of the Good Life Farm orchards.
11:30 Lunch
Noon Leave for HJ Wiemer Vineyards*
1:00 Arrive at HJ Wiemer
1:00-5:00 Dig summer preps, experience mixing preps using a flow form for mixing them, demonstrate prep application, and revel in the grand beauty of their biodynamically certified vineyards.
5:00 Wine Tasting (OPTIONAL, cost not included)
Previous 2018 Classes
Untapped Opportunities in IPM
Friday, January 19, 2018 Time TBD
The science of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has generally failed farming, especially when it comes to perennial crops. Low adoption rates, poor implementation, and generally poor advocacy has allowed the best that IPM has to offer to languish in labs and manuals. That said, the opportunities for Integrated Pest Management science and practice to improve our farming practices are immense. But it will take education and effort to evolve into better understanding and widespread practice. Even more, the ‘best bits’ of IPM can help make organic agriculture even more viable. In this workshop, we’ll explore several IPM practices and how they are used in conventional farming, contrasting them with how, if used to their full effect, they could spawn a vibrant northeast organic tree fruit industry.
This class will be held at the NOFA-NY Winter Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY.
For more information or to register, go to: NOFA-NY
Friday, January 19, 2018 Time TBD
The science of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has generally failed farming, especially when it comes to perennial crops. Low adoption rates, poor implementation, and generally poor advocacy has allowed the best that IPM has to offer to languish in labs and manuals. That said, the opportunities for Integrated Pest Management science and practice to improve our farming practices are immense. But it will take education and effort to evolve into better understanding and widespread practice. Even more, the ‘best bits’ of IPM can help make organic agriculture even more viable. In this workshop, we’ll explore several IPM practices and how they are used in conventional farming, contrasting them with how, if used to their full effect, they could spawn a vibrant northeast organic tree fruit industry.
This class will be held at the NOFA-NY Winter Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY.
For more information or to register, go to: NOFA-NY
Ready Our Farms and Foodshed for Climate Change
Saturday, February 3, 2018 ~ 10:am-3:00pm
Held at Just Be Cause Center in Ithaca, NY
Facilitated by Mike Biltonen and Jay Smith
Climate change has been affecting our farms for several decades now. The science and data show that there will continue to be dramatic impacts on every farmers’ ability to grow and distribute food. Agriculture is one of our greatest tools for reducing and even potentially reversing the effects of modern industrial society on our global climate, but it also one of the greatest contributors to climate change. Something has to give. Come learn about how we can work together as a community to ensure local stability in local food production and security!
Sliding Scale $25 - $50
For more information or to register go to Groundswell
Saturday, February 3, 2018 ~ 10:am-3:00pm
Held at Just Be Cause Center in Ithaca, NY
Facilitated by Mike Biltonen and Jay Smith
Climate change has been affecting our farms for several decades now. The science and data show that there will continue to be dramatic impacts on every farmers’ ability to grow and distribute food. Agriculture is one of our greatest tools for reducing and even potentially reversing the effects of modern industrial society on our global climate, but it also one of the greatest contributors to climate change. Something has to give. Come learn about how we can work together as a community to ensure local stability in local food production and security!
Sliding Scale $25 - $50
For more information or to register go to Groundswell
The Promise of Biodynamics - PART I – Laying the Foundation
Sunday, March 11 2018 ~ 9:00am-3:00pm
Held at Finger Lakes Cider House, Interlaken, NY
This is a two-part workshop series where attendance to both Parts is strongly encouraged, but not required. Part I lays the foundation for kicking off the season in good form, whereas Part II utilizes what we learned in Part I as a basis for assessing orchard ecosystem health and adjusting the management approach. The workshop series will start by introducing biodynamics as science, philosophy, and practice as a foundation for bio-intensive orcharding. We will continue by discussing basic orchard concepts that are a reality of growing fruit in the northeast as a lead-in to utilizing the biodynamic preps within a workable management framework. You will leave this part of the course with a solid understanding of how to use biodynamic practices in your own orchard. The framework will provide a solid guideline for your approach, but will not be a recipe. A crucial aspect of successful biodynamic farming is the utilization of phenomenology, or observation in your decision-making process. This and other related topics are something we will discuss in more detail during the first part of the course. This course will be apple-centric, though we will talk about other fruit crops depending on interest level. Introduction to biodynamics; Basic Orchard Physiology, Ecology & Biology; Soil Health; Common Insects and Diseases; Energy; The Preps; An early-season Management Framework.
Cost
$100 for each session, or $150 if you sign up by Feb 11, $175 after Feb 11 , for both sessions.
Cancellation
50% refundable if you cancel by Feb 25, 25% refundable if you cancel by March 4, no refunds offered for cancellations after Mar 4th.
All fees includes lunch catered by Finger Lakes Cider House and informational materials.
To register, go to the Finger Lakes Cider House
The Promise of Biodynamics – Orcharding the Biodynamic Way!
Sunday, April 15 2018
Midsummer Farm, 156 Ridge Rd E, Warwick, NY 10990
This workshop focuses on applied practices of biodynamics for orchardists and viticulturists. It is intended to create a foundation for comprehensive bio-intensive farming practices based on a biodynamic approach. Biodynamics is more than just the next step in organic farming, because it is more than just input substitution. It is a philosophy – practical and otherwise – that engages the farm as an organism and utilizes the natural and spiritual energies of the surroundings to enliven the farm for the production of food, medicine, and the human spirit. The basic understanding being that the quality of what we eat is based on how we grow it and the energy we put into it; all of which comes back to us in a higher more enlivened state.
This workshop will start by introducing biodynamics as science, philosophy, and practice as a foundation for bio-intensive orcharding. We will discuss basic orchard concepts utilizing the biodynamic preps within a workable management framework. You will leave this part of the course with a solid understanding of how to use biodynamic practices in your own orchard. Specifically, there will be an intro to biodynamics in regard to orchards, soil and plant health, basic plant physiology and function, apple insect, disease and fertility considerations, and then the practical aspects of how to use biodynamics in your own orchard.
**This will be presented as part of their Permaculture Design Course.**
To register, go to the Midsummer Farm
Sunday, April 15 2018
Midsummer Farm, 156 Ridge Rd E, Warwick, NY 10990
This workshop focuses on applied practices of biodynamics for orchardists and viticulturists. It is intended to create a foundation for comprehensive bio-intensive farming practices based on a biodynamic approach. Biodynamics is more than just the next step in organic farming, because it is more than just input substitution. It is a philosophy – practical and otherwise – that engages the farm as an organism and utilizes the natural and spiritual energies of the surroundings to enliven the farm for the production of food, medicine, and the human spirit. The basic understanding being that the quality of what we eat is based on how we grow it and the energy we put into it; all of which comes back to us in a higher more enlivened state.
This workshop will start by introducing biodynamics as science, philosophy, and practice as a foundation for bio-intensive orcharding. We will discuss basic orchard concepts utilizing the biodynamic preps within a workable management framework. You will leave this part of the course with a solid understanding of how to use biodynamic practices in your own orchard. Specifically, there will be an intro to biodynamics in regard to orchards, soil and plant health, basic plant physiology and function, apple insect, disease and fertility considerations, and then the practical aspects of how to use biodynamics in your own orchard.
**This will be presented as part of their Permaculture Design Course.**
To register, go to the Midsummer Farm
2017 Classes
Systemic Resistance in Tree Fruit: Enhancing Your Trees’ Self-Defense Mechanisms
Friday, January 20, 2017 ~ 3:00pm-4:15pm
Spraying materials to control pests and diseases is easy, sometimes effective, but not always the best way to a healthy, strong orchard that can fend for itself. The use of biodynamic sprays, compost teas, and biologically active soils (and a little stress) can help enhance a trees' own self-defense mechanisms by triggering systemic resistance pathways in the plant. In the class, we’ll cover the basics of systemic resistance development in trees and practical ways you can use these pathways to benefit your orchard’s productivity and health.
This class will be held at the NOFA-NY Winter Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY.
For more information or to register, go to: NOFA-NY
Friday, January 20, 2017 ~ 3:00pm-4:15pm
Spraying materials to control pests and diseases is easy, sometimes effective, but not always the best way to a healthy, strong orchard that can fend for itself. The use of biodynamic sprays, compost teas, and biologically active soils (and a little stress) can help enhance a trees' own self-defense mechanisms by triggering systemic resistance pathways in the plant. In the class, we’ll cover the basics of systemic resistance development in trees and practical ways you can use these pathways to benefit your orchard’s productivity and health.
This class will be held at the NOFA-NY Winter Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY.
For more information or to register, go to: NOFA-NY
Fruit Tree Grafting 101
Saturday, January 21, 2017 ~ 9:00am-10:15pm
A hands-on workshop exploring the basics of grafting fruit trees. We’ll discuss the basics of rootstock selection, scion collection, several different types of grafting techniques, curing your graft, and finally, planting it in the spring. All materials will be provided and you’ll even get to take home a tree (or two!) of your own. Class registration limited to 20.
This class will be held at the NOFA-NY Winter Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY.
For more information or to register, go to: NOFA-NY
Saturday, January 21, 2017 ~ 9:00am-10:15pm
A hands-on workshop exploring the basics of grafting fruit trees. We’ll discuss the basics of rootstock selection, scion collection, several different types of grafting techniques, curing your graft, and finally, planting it in the spring. All materials will be provided and you’ll even get to take home a tree (or two!) of your own. Class registration limited to 20.
This class will be held at the NOFA-NY Winter Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY.
For more information or to register, go to: NOFA-NY
Pruning and Renovating Apple Trees
Saturday, February 18, 2017 ~ 11:00am-4:00pm
Held at 3336 Podunk Rd, Trumansburg, NY
Iconic trees of old farmsteads provide many with a great chance to learn about apple growing and starting your own orchards. Last year we pruned a few trees that hadn’t seen much attention. This year, we’ll look at how those trees responded and finish pruning the remaining trees in the orchard. This will be a day of pruning discussion and practice while we work to bring some old trees back to life. This is a hands-on workshop, but tools are not provided – bring your loppers, shears, and handsaws with you. Or just come listen and learn.
Saturday, February 18, 2017 ~ 11:00am-4:00pm
Held at 3336 Podunk Rd, Trumansburg, NY
Iconic trees of old farmsteads provide many with a great chance to learn about apple growing and starting your own orchards. Last year we pruned a few trees that hadn’t seen much attention. This year, we’ll look at how those trees responded and finish pruning the remaining trees in the orchard. This will be a day of pruning discussion and practice while we work to bring some old trees back to life. This is a hands-on workshop, but tools are not provided – bring your loppers, shears, and handsaws with you. Or just come listen and learn.
Holistic Apple Scab and Fireblight Control
Saturday, April 1, 2017 ~ 11:00am-4:00pm
Held at 3336 Podunk Rd, Trumansburg, NY
Apple scab and fireblight are two of the biggest disease issues apple growers ever have to contend with in any given season. 2016 was a relatively low pressure year, but who knows what 2017 will look like? In this workshop we will discuss the biology and ecology of each disease, disease cycles, forecasting tools, varietal resistance/susceptibility, control opportunities, and what to do if the inevitable strikes! We will use a variety of approaches to examine trees and leaves, discuss how to assess current year infection potential, and how to use techy forecasting tools to better prepare and holistically manage for these nefarious diseases.
Cold Damage assessment and Crop Load Management workshop
Saturday May 13, 2017 ~ 11:00am-4:00pm
Held at 3336 Podunk Rd, Trumansburg, NY
This winter was as nice a winter as we’ve seen in a while. But the two cold snaps we’ve had increased the potential for fruit bud damage. We know that any damage – whether it is lethal or sub-lethal – will influence how we plan for this year’s crop. What about cumulative freezes? Spring frosts? How much did last year's wacky weather affect bud viability? In this combined workshop, we will discuss how to identify floral and leaf tissue, dormancy and cold hardiness, factors that affect potential for cold damage, examine fruit buds under microscopes, and then discuss what you can do to improve your chances for a successful crop. It is the perfect lead in to discuss general crop load management issues. Crop load management is more than just fruit or blossom thinning. It’s about managing the fruit load on your trees for optimal yield, quality, and nutritional value. How you manage fruit load has a direct effect on return bloom for next year’s crop, as well as the quality and productivity of this year’s harvest. In this part of the combined workshop, we’ll discuss the basics of floral bud induction and development, flowering and early fruit development, return bloom, and crop load management tactics (yes, including thinning). Trees should be at or close to bloom so we can study the flowers in situ and discuss the direct impact your practices can have not only on this year’s crop, but next year’s as well.
Building Biodiversity Through Biodynamics
Saturday, June 3, 2017 ~3:00pm-4:15pm
This class will be held at the 7th Annual Herbal Hoedown
6 Circles Farm, 1491 Caywood Rd, Lodi, NY
Using the biodynamic principle that your land is a living organism we’ll discuss practical aspects of how you can build a stronger, more resilient farm & orchard. By enlivening them with greater plant diversity, and through the practice of biodynamics, we’ll invite greater insect and animal diversity at all trophic levels, awakening the seen and unseen life forces all around us.
For more information ~ Herbal Hoedown
Saturday, June 3, 2017 ~3:00pm-4:15pm
This class will be held at the 7th Annual Herbal Hoedown
6 Circles Farm, 1491 Caywood Rd, Lodi, NY
Using the biodynamic principle that your land is a living organism we’ll discuss practical aspects of how you can build a stronger, more resilient farm & orchard. By enlivening them with greater plant diversity, and through the practice of biodynamics, we’ll invite greater insect and animal diversity at all trophic levels, awakening the seen and unseen life forces all around us.
For more information ~ Herbal Hoedown
Soil Health and Biodiversity & Biodynamics (COMBINED)
Saturday, August 19, 2017 ~9:00am-5:00pm
Held at Apostrophe Orchard, Hector NY.
Part I: Soil Health
Managing orchard fertility is about more than just fertilizer. The fact is your orchard soil is a giant digestive engine, chewing up carbon, nitrogen, and minerals to feed not only your trees but the soil food web. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the basics of your soil so you can better understand what’s going on right under your feet, the mineral connection, and what you can do to improve the soil’s health and overall vitality to grow better fruit. Last year we discussed the basics of soil chemistry, physical characteristics, and soil biology. This year we’ll focus more on the practical aspects of what you can do to holistically improve your soils, but we’ll also go over some basics methods you can use to assess your overall soil health and fertility.
Part II: Biodynamics and Biodiversity
Using the biodynamic principle that your land is a living organism we’ll discuss practical aspects of how you can build a stronger, more resilient farm & orchard. By enlivening them with greater plant diversity, and through the practice of biodynamics, we’ll invite greater insect and animal diversity at all trophic levels, awakening the seen and unseen life forces all around us.
Saturday, August 19, 2017 ~9:00am-5:00pm
Held at Apostrophe Orchard, Hector NY.
Part I: Soil Health
Managing orchard fertility is about more than just fertilizer. The fact is your orchard soil is a giant digestive engine, chewing up carbon, nitrogen, and minerals to feed not only your trees but the soil food web. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the basics of your soil so you can better understand what’s going on right under your feet, the mineral connection, and what you can do to improve the soil’s health and overall vitality to grow better fruit. Last year we discussed the basics of soil chemistry, physical characteristics, and soil biology. This year we’ll focus more on the practical aspects of what you can do to holistically improve your soils, but we’ll also go over some basics methods you can use to assess your overall soil health and fertility.
Part II: Biodynamics and Biodiversity
Using the biodynamic principle that your land is a living organism we’ll discuss practical aspects of how you can build a stronger, more resilient farm & orchard. By enlivening them with greater plant diversity, and through the practice of biodynamics, we’ll invite greater insect and animal diversity at all trophic levels, awakening the seen and unseen life forces all around us.
Advancing Bio-Intensive Viticulture & Untapped Opportunities in Integrated Pest Management
Saturday, September 9, 2017 ~ 3:00 ~ Good Earth Day
Held at Silver Thread Vineyard, 1401 Caywood Road, Lodi, NY
Mike will give an impromptu talk about how viticulture (the growing of wine grapes) is evolving through the use of Bio-Intensive Viticultural practices and untapped Integrated Pest Management practices. Join him as he discusses how bio-intensive viticulture is reshaping modern viticulture in light of climate change, increased biological information, and changing consumer perspectives. Meet at the Know Your Roots Booth.
For more information ~ Good Earth Day
Saturday, September 9, 2017 ~ 3:00 ~ Good Earth Day
Held at Silver Thread Vineyard, 1401 Caywood Road, Lodi, NY
Mike will give an impromptu talk about how viticulture (the growing of wine grapes) is evolving through the use of Bio-Intensive Viticultural practices and untapped Integrated Pest Management practices. Join him as he discusses how bio-intensive viticulture is reshaping modern viticulture in light of climate change, increased biological information, and changing consumer perspectives. Meet at the Know Your Roots Booth.
For more information ~ Good Earth Day
Orchard Tour and Hors d’oeuvres
Saturday, October 8, 2017 ~ 2:00pm-5:00pm
Held at Eve's Cidery 308 Beckhorn Hollow Road, Van Etten, NY
Terroir is a is a French word used to describe the way in which a wine reflects a sense of place. We want to show you the elements that make up the terroir at Eve’s Cidery. Some of these elements include where we grow our apples, how we grow our apples and which varieties we grow.
Get your blood flowing and join cider growers Autumn and Ezra and their special guest, pomologist Mike Biltonen for a tour of their Albee Hill orchards.
3:00pm Mike will discuss Growing Apples “Incorrectly “or, how to grow better apples for eating and cider.
Modern apple growing has indoctrinated many to ignore the benefits that wildness, nature and biodiversity can provide to growing better apples. But the rising interest in growing apples for cider – and not as cosmetically perfect dessert apples – provides us with great opportunity to re-learn how to grow apples with nature in the driver’s seat. In effect, we need to relearn how to grow apples incorrectly by unlearning how to grow them “correctly.” This approach is better for people, the environment, the apples, and the cider – what’s not to embrace?
FREE, but you must RSVP and get a ticket. Space is limited.
For more information, full schedule or to register, go to: Eve's Cidery
Saturday, October 8, 2017 ~ 2:00pm-5:00pm
Held at Eve's Cidery 308 Beckhorn Hollow Road, Van Etten, NY
Terroir is a is a French word used to describe the way in which a wine reflects a sense of place. We want to show you the elements that make up the terroir at Eve’s Cidery. Some of these elements include where we grow our apples, how we grow our apples and which varieties we grow.
Get your blood flowing and join cider growers Autumn and Ezra and their special guest, pomologist Mike Biltonen for a tour of their Albee Hill orchards.
3:00pm Mike will discuss Growing Apples “Incorrectly “or, how to grow better apples for eating and cider.
Modern apple growing has indoctrinated many to ignore the benefits that wildness, nature and biodiversity can provide to growing better apples. But the rising interest in growing apples for cider – and not as cosmetically perfect dessert apples – provides us with great opportunity to re-learn how to grow apples with nature in the driver’s seat. In effect, we need to relearn how to grow apples incorrectly by unlearning how to grow them “correctly.” This approach is better for people, the environment, the apples, and the cider – what’s not to embrace?
FREE, but you must RSVP and get a ticket. Space is limited.
For more information, full schedule or to register, go to: Eve's Cidery
Biodynamic Orcharding
Saturday, November 4, 2017 ~ 10:30am-11:10am
Held at Franklin County Cider Days
Biodynamic agriculture has been practiced around the world for nearly a century, but is only now beginning to gain traction in the orcharding world. Apart from the spiritual and cosmological aspects of biodynamic farming, there are practical things that any experienced or novice farmer can do to begin down a path of revitalizing spirit, land, and food. Mike will cover the basic pragmatic aspects of biodynamics, as well as some of its more esoteric parts, as they apply to orchards.
For more information or to register go to Franklin County Cider Days
Saturday, November 4, 2017 ~ 10:30am-11:10am
Held at Franklin County Cider Days
Biodynamic agriculture has been practiced around the world for nearly a century, but is only now beginning to gain traction in the orcharding world. Apart from the spiritual and cosmological aspects of biodynamic farming, there are practical things that any experienced or novice farmer can do to begin down a path of revitalizing spirit, land, and food. Mike will cover the basic pragmatic aspects of biodynamics, as well as some of its more esoteric parts, as they apply to orchards.
For more information or to register go to Franklin County Cider Days
