Join experts, educators, and scientists from the University of Massachusetts, University of Vermont, University of New Hampshire, and the University of Maine at an event organized and presented by UMass Extension. […]
Grapes are one of the most universally enjoyed fruits available. Many of the new varieties have excellent taste, are winter hardy, and can make excellent wine. Grapes are fun to grow but present some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is knowing how to correctly prune them. Participants will have the opportunity to conduct actual pruning and gain both experience and confidence in pruning and training grapes in order to produce a bountiful crop. We’ll learn about tool maintenance and sharpening, too. Bring your own tools or use ours.
How to identifying suitable trees, the when and how of collecting sap, the boiling down process for the home setting, and preserving the syrup for year-round use. Participants will install […]
About the Conference Whether you’re a professional farmer, a backyard gardener, or just curious about locally grown food, this is the event for you! Each year, the lineup includes workshops for […]
Farmer Dan practices an opportunistic, "guerrilla gardening" approach to seeds and propagation, allowing Nature and Time to do much of the heavy lifting. He will discuss and demonstrate traditional and alternative strategies for selecting, growing and gathering valuable heirloom seed as well as tactics for propagating and transplanting seedlings, around the calendar, even in chilly New England.
This course helps aspiring and beginning farmers assess and manage a variety of risks that a farmer will face as they operate their enterprise. Throughout the six-week period, topics essential for operating a viable farm business will be discussed, including insurance coverage, types of business structures, and tax information.
Are you considering starting an agricultural enterprise in Massachusetts? The “Explorer” courses are intended for those considering farming as a (small) business. Its purpose is to help pre-venture, aspiring farmers […]
Adding weeks to either end of your growing season can mean attaining a premium for having products available well before (or long after) other local growers. But the structures that make this possible–(unheated plastic-covered “high tunnels” or “hoop houses”) can cost a lot of money, and they bring special management considerations that need to be understood in order to be profitable additions to your farm.