Growing, Eating, Living – education program at 21 Acres

The growing movement of home gardening and urban farming appeals to those not just interested in a lifestyle change, but also to those seeking additional income or just the recreation and enjoyment of growing good tasting, nutritious food.

February 4, 2010 1:39 pm
Students pause for a break during last summer’s Beginning Hoophouse Construction at 21 Acres.
Students pause for a break during last summer’s Beginning Hoophouse Construction at 21 Acres.

The growing movement of home gardening and urban farming appeals to those not just interested in a lifestyle change, but also to those seeking additional income or just the recreation and enjoyment of growing good tasting, nutritious food.

Food security is a priority and 21 Acres, a local non-profit, provides the opportunities and resources to attain the knowledge for a secure, sustainable lifestyle.

The 2010 Education Program at 21 Acres currently offers comprehensive classes and workshops on sustainable farming practices including a combination of classroom time and hands-on field work on the 21 Acres Farm near Woodinville in East King County.

Classes in Farming Basics, Backyard Food Production and Natural Beekeeping begin in February and are scheduled throughout the year.

Farming Basics includes classes in seasonal planning, soil management, hoophouse construction, irrigation and pest management.

Backyard Food Production highlights classes in edible landscaping, canning and food preservation. Natural Beekeeping includes beginning beekeeping, setting up hives, honey production and colony maintenance. Coursework has been designed to provide students with a comprehensive package of materials and information that will leave them with the skills required to be successful in their chosen area of study.

Courses are scheduled evenings and weekends at several locations in the Sammamish Valley.

Series or package discounts are available or classes may be purchased individually beginning at $15.00.

Log on to www.21acres.org for a current course schedule, class details and registration form. E-mail education@21acres.org or call 206-442-2061 for more information.

Located at 13701 NE 171st Street, near Woodinville, 21 Acres is a non-profit organization with the mission to cultivate, demonstrate and advance systems supporting sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. The land supports a community farm growing food for families, markets, schools and hunger relief. For directions and more information visit 21Acres.org.