Class

The Paicines Ranch Learning Center is offering this one-day workshop focused on how to make and apply beneficial life-supporting seed and soil inoculants in place of high analysis fertilizers and seed dressings.  

Topics include quorum sensing, replacing nitrogen fertilizers, transitioning to a microbial approach, and the application of auto-inducers to seeds to enable a reduction of inputs and costs in order to regenerate soils. 

This is a one-day workshop being offered on two separate dates:

Thursday, June 6 
9:00am - 5:00pm

or 

Learn how to set up your home rainwater collection system to water your landscape, garden and trees. We will cover all the components needed to have a great working cistern. Topics will include cistern types, first flush, supply, overflow, filtration, freezing issues, above ground and below ground options, safety and best practices for harvesting water from the sky, to your roof to your cistern. We will also install a solar pump to feed into existing drip irrigation system. Class will be taught by Joseph Costion and Jacobo Marcus. Spaces limited so RSVP today. Bring your own lunch!

We are excited to host Perma-Dynamics, a four-day residential workshop held on our farm in Floyd Virginia. During this experience, participants will receive introductory instruction in permaculture design principles as applied to the creation of the biodynamic farm organism on Josephine Porter Institute's farm. 

Introduction to Biodynamic Gardening and Farming: Through Goethean observation and Rudolf Steiner’s approach to science and agriculture, you will learn to sense nature and discover the heart of your own garden.

About the course: Classes take place on Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm, May through November 2019. This course focuses on understanding and applying biodynamic principles using hands-on experience, including artistic and creative exercises, to develop one’s sense of being in and working with the natural world.

Introduction to Biodynamic Gardening and Farming: Through Goethean observation and Rudolf Steiner’s approach to science and agriculture, you will learn to sense nature and discover the heart of your own garden.

About the course: Classes take place on Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm, May through November 2019. This course focuses on understanding and applying biodynamic principles using hands-on experience, including artistic and creative exercises, to develop one’s sense of being in and working with the natural world.

The history of Biodynamics and the significance of the nine Biodynamic preparations. Designing a farm as a whole living organism.

Learn about the core principles of Biodynamics including:

~ Overview of the key principles of Biodynamics.

~ The practical application creating regenerative on farm fertility.

~ Recipes and methods you can use at home.

~ Planting with the moon, and optimum astrological times for agricultural activities.

Come join us as we celebrate the health, joy, and tradition of artisan sourdough bread baking at the Honeybee Sanctuary. This workshop will delve into the life and vitality of natural yeast, the light and health of freshly milled grains, and the all-encompassing warmth of our Quebec Earth Oven. Each participant will have the opportunity to practice and witness the process, as practical learning will be paired with demonstration and lecture.

Learn to build the Sun Hive out of natural materials

Since the very beginning, Spikenard has not only worked with traditional hive types, but has designed and worked with hives that support the vitality and health of the honeybee by utilizing natural materials with high insulation value and forms that approach roundness. In this workshop we will demonstrate how to build a sun hive. Participants will learn how to make the paste that covers the outside of the basket.

Understanding and Making Biodynamic Preparations: A Joyous Experience

Biodynamic Principles and Practices in Farming and Gardening