Small Fruit Cultivation: Pruning, Propagation & Soil Health

9:00AM-12:30PM - Workshop

12:30-1:30PM - Lunch & self guided farm tour 

Teachers: UMASS soil and small fruit specialists Sonia Schloemann  (UMass Extension) and UMass graduate Plant Biology student Julie Stultz 
 
Workshop Details:

Bug Hill Farm uses marginal land and high tunnels to successfully grow many unusual and native berries. Join us for a small fruit and soil health workshop that will use the farm as a living classroom to explore the role and effect of soil biodiversity and insect and landscape health for fruit cultivation and production.

This workshop is for people who already grow or are interested in learning how to grow uncommon small fruits in cooperation with the local ecosystem while improving their soils for perennial plants.

Participants will:

• See soil health demonstrations
• Learn about the impact of soil disturbance and the role of mycorrhizae in the stability and resiliency of marginal soils.
• Engage in hands-on activities including soil tests, plant propagation, and pruning techniques
• Take home cuttings along with instructions for rooting, and the knowledge you will need to more successfully grow small fruits

Cost: $45 p.p. includes free cuttings from the farm’s berry plants!
Food: $15 for hearty lunch buffet & discussion or feel free to bring your own!
Click here to download the registration form.