BIOLOGIcal Orchard Care in Community

About this course

Biological Orchard Care in Community is a 12 month long class series to introduce and deepen participants' connection to long term plant care relationships. In addition to a solid foundation of annual dormancy pruning, we will explore a myriad of topics including: soil analysis and care, tool care and safety, basic botanical language and other ways we might talk about trees, tree paste, companion planting, grafting, holistic sprays, and interacting with insects & birds.

This is an incredibly special opportunity to be intimately connected to a year in the life cycle of a tree, honing observational and horticultural skills, and hopefully eat delicious fruit along the way. This course will focus on innovative biological techniques, rather than conventional practices and we expect participants will build their skills to manage their own orchard projects or work in shared community spaces.

These will be interpretive/conversational style workshops where set monthly topics are based on the current needs of the orchard and guided in each gathering by the interests of those present. Participants will receive detailed outlines for each class.

This is a grant-funded program, with our eligibility centered on our geographic location. Therefore we strongly encourage residents of zip codes 20001, 20060, 20059, residents of Kelly Miller and Ledroit, and Howard University students to apply. We want to make sure we are serving a diverse population. Applicants from marginalized communities and beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers will be prioritized throughout the process. As part of the grant requirements, we need to provide demographic information.

How to sign up

Complete the orchard course application found here.

Priority Deadline to apply is October 31. 2025 (applications received after will be reviewed on a rolling basis)
Notification of Application Status by November 7. 2025

Program Begins December 6. 2025. Course topics will build on prior months instruction, we ask applicants to commit to the full year program and prioritize being available for each session.

The Details

Classes will meet at Common Good City Farm, located inside the Park at LeDroit (300 V St NW). Classes will be outside in the farm space. In case of inclement weather, the class may be moved to the alternate date listed and students will be notified by the instructor.

Class will be held on the following dates at either 2-5 pm or 3-6 pm depending on the time of year:

Saturdays, 2:00 Pm - 5:00 pm

Dec 6th (Rain or Shine)
January 3rd (Jan 10th Inclement Weather Date)
February 7th (Feb 21st Inclement)

Saturdays, 3:00 Pm - 6:00 pm

4. March 7th (March 14 Inclement)

5. April 4th (April 11th Inclement)

6. May 2nd (May 9th Inclement)

7. June 6th (June 13th Inclement)

8. July 11th (July 18th Inclement)

9. August 8th (August 15 Inclement)

10. Sept 5th (Sept 12 Inclement)

11. Oct 3 (Oct 17 Inclement)

12. Nov 7th (Nov 14th Inclement)

As a participant of this course, you agree to follow Common Good City Farm’s COVID-19 Policy. Common Good City Farm’s COVID-19 Policy may be updated periodically, following updates from CDC and DC Health guidelines and we will email all participants when the policy is updated.
As a participant of this course you also agree to follow the Common Good City Farm participant Code of Conduct.