Basic Homesteading Workshops
The G.A.L.A. Homesteading Workshop Series is an effort to provide experiential learning of basic living techniques like composting, sourdough baking, canning, utilizing renewable energy, biofuel production, wool spinning, wine making, native foraging, and bioregion education. The Homestead Workshop Series empowers individuals to become more locally self-reliant in a fun, practical, and meaningful way.
2008 Spring-Fall Schedule:
All workshops are free and open to the public.
Donations are appreciated. Most workshops are RSVP for material/venue purposes.
Starting an Heirloom Vegetable Garden.
Saturday, April 26th from 9-11am
Jetstar, Early Girl, Supersonic, Roma . . . . are these names familiar to you? Would you have guessed yhey are all names of heirloom tomatoes? Bill Stockman of Spiderweb Gardens will offer you the chance to get your hands dirty while transplanting not only tomato seedlings, but peppers and assorted other vegetable varieties, too. He'll share seeds that he's saved himself and dispense information about seed production as you work. Each participant will leave with three-dozen seedlings to start this year's garden. Registration is on a first come basis. Call 569-5252 to put your name on the list.
The Benefits & Basics of Food Fermentation.
Sunday, May 18th, 2-4pm
What do some of your favorite foods like chocolate, beer, cider, pickles, soy sauce, yogurt, cheese, wine, and kombucha all have in common? Each of these delicious, but different, foods has gone through the age-old (no pun intended!) process known as "fermentation." Medical and scientific studies confirm what folklore has always known - eating fermented food helps keep people healthy. Come learn the basics and benefits of fermenting your own food with long-time fermentors Jack Waldron and Diane Johnson. Participants will leave with a jars of started sauerkraut and kombucha. Save money, stay healthy, and learn the valuable art of food preservation. RSVP by calling 569-4760.
Three Beans and You.
Sunday, June 1st,4-6pm
Are you tired of spending $5 on hummus that only lasts in your fridge for a week? Have you ever sprouted beans? "Three Beans and You" is a workshop designed to expand your "bean cuisine" beyond the traditional burritos and baked beans . In this workshop you will three quick and cost-effective, from scratch, bean recipes, as well as Mary Beth's secret ingredient for taking the pop out of the digestive process and giving beans an extra nutritional boost. Impress your friends and family by preparing these high-protein, hearty, and delicious bean-cuisines. Participants will leave knowing how to make Fresh Herb Hummus, Bean Sprout Thai Rolls, and a Three-Bean Salad. RSVP by calling Mary Beth at 569-5975.
Your Backyard - The Delicious and the Deadly
Saturday, July 6th, 2-4pm
Attend this "backyard literacy" workshop to learn the best ways of deciphering between the delicious and the deadly, and everything in between. Tim Smith, founding director of Jack Mt. Bushcraft and Guide Services, will walk participants through a typical New Hampshire landscape while identifying plants with particular health or medicinal benefits, as well as plants you should try to avoid. Begin to get to know your yard during this nice leisurely walk with one of the state's few certified field guides. RSVP by calling 569-4760.
Say Cheese! Cheese Making Made Easy
Saturday, August 23, 10am-1pm
WORKSHOP FULL
If you are a cheese lover, this course is for you. Join Jenny and Andy Tapper of Via Lactea Farm/Brookfield Dairy as they share the art and science behind cheese making. Just because the Tappers operate a licensed commercial goat and dairy farm, doesn't mean they have forgotten the days making cheese in their home kitchen. This hands-on course will cover the basics of making fresh goat- milk cheese, feta and yogurt at home. Cow milk cheeses and differences in milk properties will be discussed. Participants will also learn how to incorporate homemade dairy products in sweet and savory recipes. Class size is limited to 10. Please wear clean clothing and clean shoes. For more information and to RSVP, call 522-3626.
Extend the Growing Season by Building a Cold-Frame.
Saturday, September13th, 1-4ppm
Would you like to learn how to eat a fresh salad from your front yard in February? Don't let a few feet of snow discourage your from eating local during the winter months in New Hampshire. Join this workshop to learn how to extend your growing season by building a cheap and practical cold-frame. (and learn the secret color paint to ensure a big year round bounty) This low-to-the-ground greenhouse can be customized to meet your needs and desires. Learn more and RSVP by calling 569-4760.
Make your own Apple Cider
October, x
Details coming soon.
Food Preservation: Canning, Freezing, Dehydrating
November, x
Details coming soon.
2007 Homesteading Workshop Series
Thank you Tim Smith from Jack Mt.Bush Craft and Guide Services for making the 2007 Homesteading Workshop Series possible!
Lasagna Gardening: Build a lasagna bed and plant it the same day. A simple and effective technique for turning lawns and waste places into food production zones.
Trees In Our Forests: Learn to identify common trees in our forests, and their edible and medicinal properties. This is the lore of the forest.
Sourdough Baking: Make your own bread, biscuits, pancakes, dumplings and pizza using this age-old and simple method.
Grow Your Own Sprouts: Learn to germinate and sprout inexpensive grains and bean for fresh vegetables and increased nutrition.
Make Your Own Sauerkraut: Learn to make your own sauerkraut, and learn the history and health properties of this ancient food.
Edible Perennials: Low-maintenance edible plants for your yard or garden.
Home Winemaking: Make your own wine out of locally grown fruits. Simple, inexpensive, and delicious.
Emergency Preparedness: Low cost and low tech ways to weather the storm when the power goes out. No water, no electricity? No problem.
Vermiculture - Composting With Worm: Worms can eat your garbage and kitchen scraps and turn them into valuable compost. Learn how.
Composting Toilets And Systems: Learn to construct a simple, thermophyllic (a fancy word for hot) composting system. Low-cost, low-tech, and low odor.
