*Register for the whole term or choose individual events.  

**All events are recorded to allow participants to watch on their own time. Recordings will be made available on the course platform (Moodle) within 48 hours of the event.

April 11th, 9:30am – 11:00am: Introduction to Organic Growing

Are you wanting to grow your own vegetables but are not sure how to get started? Join this webinar for an overview of how to start growing vegetables using organic principles. Topics will include the basics of getting to know your site, common tools, site preparation, planting, pest management, harvesting, and extending the season.  

Speaker: Lisa Conroy, Ignatius Farm

April 11th, 7:00pm – 8:00pm: Full-term Participants’ Meet-up, Online

April 12th, 9:30am – 11:00am: Introduction to Soil Health

Soil is the foundation of growing healthy food. Learn the properties of soils and how to maintain and build soil health. We will discuss the types of soils and their attributes, how to keep soils healthy and what activities contribute to degrading, maintaining, and building healthy soils.  

Speaker: Sarah Larsen, Research and Small Grains Programs Director, EFAO

April 13th, 9:30am – 11:00am: Language of Ecological Agriculture and Food Systems in Ontario – Part 1

Part 1 of 2: What is organic agriculture? What does regenerative mean? What is the difference between permaculture, agroecology, and biodynamic farming? Join us for a discussion about the language of ecological agriculture and start thinking about how and where your farm might fit. 

Speaker: Thorsten Arnold, Grey-Bruce Centre for Agroecology and Persephone Market Garden

April 14th, 9:30am – 11:00am: Language of Ecological Agriculture and Food Systems in Ontario – Part 2

Part 2 of 2: What is organic agriculture? What does regenerative mean? What is the difference between permaculture, agroecology, and biodynamic farming? Join us for a discussion about the language of ecological agriculture and start thinking about how and where your farm might fit. 

Speaker: Thorsten Arnold, Grey-Bruce Centre for Agroecology and Persephone Market Garden

April 17th, 9:30am – 11:00am: Botany for Farmers and Gardeners

This webinar will provide an introduction to botany for gardeners, farmers, and foodies. Topics will include vegetable classification and why this is important, parts of a plant, pollination and common pests and diseases.  

Speaker: Lisa Conroy, Ignatius Farm

April 18th, 9:30am – 11:00am: Farm Workers Rights and Responsibilities

Did you know that farm worker rights differ from general employee rights? Many new farm workers are uninformed about their rights and responsibilities. This webinar will clarify the different rights and responsibilities relating to working on Ontario farms.  

Speaker: David Thompson, Farm Labour Project Coordinator, National Farmers Union Ontario

April 19th, 9:30am – 11:00am: Identifying and Controlling Pests and Diseases

Unfortunately we are not the only ones who find our crops tasty! There is a whole world of insects and diseases that find our crops delicious or a great home. This webinar gives you a basic understanding of the role of insects in agriculture and how to manage pests and diseases throughout the growing season. 

Speaker: Lisa Conroy, Ignatius Farm

April 20th, 9:30am – 11:00am: Introduction to Indoor Growing

This webinar will cover the different types of indoor growing options and which crops can be grown indoors in the spring. The many benefits and challenges of this production system will be discussed.

Speaker: Lisa Conroy, Ignatius Farm

April 20th, 7:00pm – 8:00pm: Full-term participants’ de-brief meet-up, online

Full program details available here  >