Growing Gardens Workshops
Growing Gardens Workshops are open to the public. Each is a 2-hour-long workshop right on our farm about various aspects of gardening or cooking. Whether you are beginner to advanced, we welcome all levels to the workshops for a fun, unforgettable learning experience.
See below for the schedule of upcoming workshops!
How to Register for a Workshop
We allow walk-ins to the workshops. However, they do tend to fill up, so we encourage you to register in advance by clicking the "Register Now" link at the end of each workshop description.
To register, click the link at the end of the description to register and pay online. Workshops are $25 to attend, although there is an additional option of paying for yourself as well as sponsoring a seat for another person in the community who otherwise may not be able to afford it. There is also a subsidized option, for income-qualifying community members. If you are registering for a workshop as part of the Green Tomorrows program, please select that option during registration.
2012 Workshops
Herbalism 101
What does it mean to use herbs to support health? Learn to harness the power of your garden! This workshop covers the basics of harvesting and drying herbs and making teas, poultices, compresses. We'll also explore the history of herbal medicine around the world. Bring a mug for sampling teas, paper bags for harvesting, scissors or clippers if you have them, and paper & pen if you’d like to take notes. Teacher: Tricia McCauley is an herbalist and health coach specializing in digestive issues, food sensitivities, and stress management. She works with individual clients at Healing Arts of Capitol Hill, teaches workshops around the DC area, makes lotions and lip balms, and is the resident herbalist at Common Good City Farm. She’s also a yoga teacher and actor. Sign up for her newsletter, read her blog, and find out more at http://www.nutriciaconsulting.com or http://www.leafyhead.com.
May 19th, 2012 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM — Register
Let's Compost! Standard and Worm Composting 101
Learn to use your garden, yard and kitchen waste to create rich soil. We will focus on methods easy and suitable for small yards and apartments and include bin composting and vermiculture methods. Teacher: Niko Welch has a background in microbiology and experience with various types of compost systems and brings his knowledge to Common Good City Farm.
May 26th, 2012 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM — Register
Drip ... Drip — Drip Irrigation for the Patio and Small Garden
A hands-on workshop for your own drip irrigation system guaranteed to stop your "water worries" on those long weekends or vacation in August. Participants will learn how to assemble a low cost drip system. Participants will evaluate a variety of dripper and mini-sprinklers suitable for patios and small gardens. Participants should be able to go home, order, and install a small custom system for less than $125. Participants will tour Common Good City Farm's drip system which was installed by the instructor. Principles learned will be adaptable to larger gardens and orchards. Teacher: Murray Schmechel is a retired lifelong gardener who has been "dripping" for the last 15 years. He has helped numerous neighbors become "drip" enthusiasts. He is currently a volunteer at Common Good City Farm.
June 2nd, 2012 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM — Register
Decoding Nutrition Labels
Calories? Saturated fat? Cholesterol? 20% DV? Are you confused about nutrition labels and what all of the information means? You are certainly not alone! Come and participate in this engaging workshop and you and the other participants will learn more about what’s in food and get rid of some of the misconceptions about nutrition labels. Bring one of your favorite packaged food items to be used in an interactive activity. Teacher: Alison Brown is a passionate health and wellness educator on a mission to empower individuals to become more proactive about their health through sustainable diet and lifestyle changes. She emphasizes the importance of making small changes toward better health and in line with this created the website and blog http://www.gaingreathealth.com. Feel free to contact her at alison.g.m.brown@gmail.com.
June 9th, 2012 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM — Register
Herbalism 101
What does it mean to use herbs to support health? Learn to harness the power of your garden! This workshop covers the basics of harvesting and drying herbs and making teas, poultices, compresses. We'll also explore the history of herbal medicine around the world. Bring a mug for sampling teas, paper bags for harvesting, scissors or clippers if you have them, and paper & pen if you’d like to take notes. Teacher: Tricia McCauley is an herbalist and health coach specializing in digestive issues, food sensitivities, and stress management. She works with individual clients at Healing Arts of Capitol Hill, teaches workshops around the DC area, makes lotions and lip balms, and is the resident herbalist at Common Good City Farm. She’s also a yoga teacher and actor. Sign up for her newsletter, read her blog, and find out more at http://www.nutriciaconsulting.com or http://www.leafyhead.com.
June 16th, 2012 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM — Register
Preserving Summer's Bounty — Canning
How to preserve tomatoes, pickles, jams and jellies. There's nothing better than opening up a jar of home-preserved tomatoes or jam on a dark winter night, and remembering the tastes of summer! This class will cover basic canning for the beginner, using simple, inexpensive equipment. You will get to participate in making some strawberry jam, and we'll also discuss how to preserve tomatoes and pickles. Class size limited to 10 people. Teacher: Bradley Kennedy first learned to can 8 years ago from a friend's mother. She was hooked instantly, and every year since she has put up enough tomatoes and jam to last through the winter.
June 20th, 2012 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM — Register
June 23rd, 2012 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM — Register
Summer Herb Walk
Are you curious about the herbs growing on the farm? An “herb walk” is the traditional way to learn about herbs: bring your questions and we’ll walk and talk, focusing on what’s in season. Teacher: Tricia McCauley is an herbalist and health coach specializing in digestive issues, food sensitivities, and stress management. She works with individual clients at Healing Arts of Capitol Hill, teaches workshops around the DC area, makes lotions and lip balms, and is the resident herbalist at Common Good City Farm. She’s also a yoga teacher and actor. Sign up for her newsletter, read her blog, and find out more at www.nutriciaconsulting.com or www.leafyhead.com.
June 27th, 2012 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM Register
Navigating the Grocery Store
Do you know you need to eat healthier but are overwhelmed by the number of choices in today's average supermarket? With over 10,000 food products at your typical grocery store, join the club! This hands-on, interactive tour will certainly come in handy at your next grocery store visit, showing you which aisles to steer away from and which ones to spend more time in. Hint: It's best to spend the most time in the perimeter of the store! This workshop goes hand-in-hand with the Decoding Nutrition Labels workshop on June 9, so we hope you can make this workshop too. Teacher: Alison Brown is a passionate health and wellness educator on a mission to empower individuals to become more proactive about their health through sustainable diet and lifestyle changes. She emphasizes the importance of making small changes toward better health and in line with this created the website and blog http://www.gaingreathealth.com. Feel free to contact her at alison.g.m.brown@gmail.com.
June 30th, 2012 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM — Register
Beekeeping — Second Hive Inspection
Come see how the bees are faring in the Washington D.C. summer. Jon will conduct the second hive inspection of the summer, looking to see that the bees are healthy and that they are producing honey. Beekeeping is a natural next step in understanding how important knowing where our food comes from and sustaining it safely. Bees also serve as a great indicator of environmental health. If the bees are healthy, we should be too! He will continue to work with anyone interested in apiaries. Also, there is a contest for the person who can come up with the greatest name for our Queen bee. Stop by the farm and if you see Jon, say hello and suggest one! Teacher: Jon Lever,"The Bee Guy", is a special education teacher and part-time beekeeper. He is from Baltimore but lives with his wife Monesha and bulldog Euphie in Adams Morgan. He has always been a garden enthusiast while incorprating plants and animals into his teaching.
July 11th, 2012 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM — Register
Stress Management with Food & Herbs
Feeling stressed out? Participants will gain a holistic view of the nervous system, and learn simple, clear practices to balance the stressors in their lives. Bring a mug! Teacher: Tricia McCauley is an herbalist and health coach specializing in digestive issues, food sensitivities, and stress management. She works with individual clients at Healing Arts of Capitol Hill, teaches workshops around the DC area, makes lotions and lip balms, and is the resident herbalist at Common Good City Farm. She’s also a yoga teacher and actor. Sign up for her newsletter, read her blog, and find out more at http://www.nutriciaconsulting.com or http://www.leafyhead.com.
July 14th, 2012 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM — Register
Sugar 101 — All Sugars Are Not Created Equal
Come out and learn more about sugars and carbohydrates, their important roles in the body, and why all sugars are not created equal. Whether or not you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with diabetes or you’re just plain confused about all the recent hoopla about sugar and carbohydrates, this workshop will be an interactive way to learn more. Be prepared to get your hands “fruity” as we will prepare a fruit salad at the conclusion of the workshop. Teacher: Alison Brown is a passionate health and wellness educator on a mission to empower individuals to become more proactive about their health through sustainable diet and lifestyle changes. She emphasizes the importance of making small changes toward better health and in line with this created the website and blog http://www.gaingreathealth.com/. Feel free to contact her at alison.g.m.brown@gmail.com.
July 28th, 2012 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM — Register
Cooking with Leafy Greens
Kale, collards, chard, lettuce, purslane, and beyond -- learn the health benefits of these amazing, easy-to-grow superfoods, and sample tasty recipes. Teacher: Tricia McCauley is an herbalist and health coach specializing in digestive issues, food sensitivities, and stress management. She works with individual clients at Healing Arts of Capitol Hill, teaches workshops around the DC area, makes lotions and lip balms, and is the resident herbalist at Common Good City Farm. She’s also a yoga teacher and actor. Sign up for her newsletter, read her blog, and find out more at http://www.nutriciaconsulting.com or http://www.leafyhead.com.
August 4th, 2012 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM — Register
Fiber 101 — Diabetes Management and Prevention
Alarmingly, estimates suggest that up to 1/3 of the U.S. population will have diabetes by 2050. But enough about the grim statistics! Join us and learn more about preventing and managing diabetes by including more fiber-rich foods in your diet. Topics that will be discussed include: what is diabetes, the different types of fiber, their roles in the body, and tips to eat more fiber-rich foods. The workshop will end with a hands-on cooking demonstration. Teacher: Alison Brown is a passionate health and wellness educator on a mission to empower individuals to become more proactive about their health through sustainable diet and lifestyle changes. She emphasizes the importance of making small changes toward better health and in line with this created the website and blog http://www.gaingreathealth.com/. Feel free to contact her at alison.g.m.brown@gmail.com.
August 18th, 2012 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM — Register
Preserving Summer Bounty - Naturally Fermented Pickles, Sauerkraut and Kimchi
Learn how to make delicious, healthy, naturally fermented foods in just a few days with simple tools and supplies. You won't believe how easy it is to make delicious crocks of sauerkraut and jars of pickles! No cooking is required - a great way to preserve food during the heat of summer. Teacher: David Pinney learned about the awesome flavor of a naturally preserved tomato in New Orleans summers ago. Now he keeps jars of pickles and kimchi bubbling year round.
September 1st, 2012 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM — Register
Boosting Your Immune System with Food & Herbs
Perfect for cold and flu season, this interactive workshop provides participants with simple tools and practices to stay healthy all year long. Bring a mug! Teacher: Tricia McCauley is an herbalist and health coach specializing in digestive issues, food sensitivities, and stress management. She works with individual clients at Healing Arts of Capitol Hill, teaches workshops around the DC area, makes lotions and lip balms, and is the resident herbalist at Common Good City Farm. She’s also a yoga teacher and actor. Sign up for her newsletter, read her blog, and find out more at http://www.nutriciaconsulting.com or http://www.leafyhead.com.
September 8th, 2012 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM — Register
Salt 101 — Cutting Back on Salt
Have you or any of your loved ones been diagnosed with high blood pressure or suffered from a stroke? Are you interested in learning ways to cut back on your salt intake? This interactive workshop will educate you on ways to cut back on the hidden carriers of salt and decrease the amount of salt that you use in your cooking. The workshop will end with a cooking demonstration on how to use herbs and spices as a tool to lower your salt intake. Teacher: Alison Brown is a passionate health and wellness educator on a mission to empower individuals to become more proactive about their health through sustainable diet and lifestyle changes. She emphasizes the importance of making small changes toward better health and in line with this created the website and blog http://www.gaingreathealth.com/. Feel free to contact her at alison.g.m.brown@gmail.com.
September 15th, 2012 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM — Register
Beekeeping — Winterizing the Bees
The hive and bees must prepare for the winter. This workshop will demonstrate how to best care for the hive and the bees living within before the winter arrives. Remember, Jon will continue to work with anyone interested in apiaries even after the summer is over. Teacher: Jon Lever,"The Bee Guy", is a special education teacher and part-time beekeeper. He is from Baltimore but lives with his wife Monesha and bulldog Euphie in Adams Morgan. He has always been a garden enthusiast while incorprating plants and animals into his teaching.
September 22nd, 2012 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM — Register
Supporting Digestion with Food and Herbs
Digestion is central to good health: we have to eat and absorb nutrients to live! Nervous stomach, trouble with digesting fats, (ahem) gas — imbalances can show up in many different ways. Learn simple dietary shifts and easy herbal remedies to "light your digestive fire" and improve your relationship with your meals. Teacher: Tricia McCauley is an herbalist and health coach specializing in digestive issues, food sensitivities, and stress management. She works with individual clients at Healing Arts of Capitol Hill, teaches workshops around the DC area, makes lotions and lip balms, and is the resident herbalist at Common Good City Farm. She’s also a yoga teacher and actor. Sign up for her newsletter, read her blog, and find out more at http://www.nutriciaconsulting.com or http://www.leafyhead.com.
September 29th, 2012 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM — Register
Completed Workshops
Beekeeping — First Hive Inspection
Just three days after the bees arrive at CGCF, we will conduct the first beehive inspection. Participants will be allowed to watch as Jon makes sure the bees have settled into the apiary correctly. Beekeeping is a natural next step in understanding how important knowing where our food comes from and sustaining it safely. Bees also serve as a great indicator of environmental health. If the bees are healthy, we should be too! He will continue to work with anyone interested in apiaries. Also, there is a contest for the person who can come up with the greatest name for our Queen bee. Stop by the farm and if you see Jon, say hello and suggest one! Teacher: Jon Lever,"The Bee Guy", is a special education teacher and part-time beekeeper. He is from Baltimore but lives with his wife Monesha and bulldog Euphie in Adams Morgan. He has always been a garden enthusiast while incorprating plants and animals into his teaching.
May 1st, 2012 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM — Completed!
Drip ... Drip — Drip Irrigation for the Patio and Small Garden
A hands-on workshop for your own drip irrigation system guaranteed to stop your "water worries" on those long weekends or vacation in August. Participants will learn how to assemble a low cost drip system. Participants will evaluate a variety of dripper and mini-sprinklers suitable for patios and small gardens. Participants should be able to go home, order, and install a small custom system for less than $125. Participants will tour Common Good City Farm's drip system which was installed by the instructor. Principles learned will be adaptable to larger gardens and orchards. Teacher: Murray Schmechel is a retired lifelong gardener who has been "dripping" for the last 15 years. He has helped numerous neighbors become "drip" enthusiasts. He is currently a volunteer at Common Good City Farm.
May 5th, 2012 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM — Completed!
Get the Most from Your Food—Fruits, Vegetables, and Herbs
This workshop will cover the importance of eating “real,” nutrient-dense foods such as whole fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Through interactive demonstrations, we will discover why it’s better to eat real foods over processed foods. Tips will also be provided on quick, time-saving ways to use and prepare the fresh produce picked from Common Good City Farm. Teacher: Alison Brown is a passionate health and wellness educator on a mission to empower individuals to become more proactive about their health through sustainable diet and lifestyle changes. She emphasizes the importance of making small changes toward better health and in line with this created the website and blog http://www.gaingreathealth.com/. Feel free to contact her at alison.g.m.brown@gmail.com.
May 12th, 2012 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM — Completed!
