Class Content

In this session, the focus will shift from growing and maintaining crops to what happens during and after harvest. The class will begin with an introduction to seed saving, including how to identify, collect, process, and store seeds for future growing seasons. A second presentation will explore different ways of transforming and preserving harvested food to extend its life and make use of seasonal abundance. The class will then move into the garden to look for mature seeds and practice collecting and saving them. If time permits, the session will finish with a hands-on introduction to growing microgreens. If there is not enough time, the microgreens workshop will take place during the following class.

Schedule:

Welcome & Check-in

– Introduction to the session and a brief group check-in
– Overview of the day’s focus on seed saving, food preservation, and making use of the harvest

Seed Saving

– Introduction to the importance of seed saving and its role in sustainable food production
– Explore which garden crops are suitable for seed saving and when seeds are ready to collect
– Learn basic techniques for collecting, cleaning, drying, labelling, and storing seeds
– Discuss considerations for maintaining healthy and viable seeds for future planting

Transforming & Preserving the Harvest

– Introduction to different ways of transforming and preserving fresh garden produce
– Explore techniques such as drying, freezing, fermenting, pickling, canning, and other forms of food preservation
– Discuss how different preservation methods can extend the harvest and reduce food waste
– Consider which techniques are best suited to different fruits, vegetables, and herbs

Seed Saving in the Garden

– Head into the garden to look for plants with mature seeds that are ready to collect
– Identify signs that seeds are mature and ready for harvesting
– Practice collecting seeds from different plants
– Clean, label, and prepare collected seeds for drying and storage where appropriate

Microgreens Workshop – If Time Permits

– Introduction to growing microgreens at home
– Explore suitable seeds, growing media, light, water, and basic care
– Hands-on activity setting up microgreens for growing
– If there is not enough time, this workshop will take place during the following class

Questions, Concerns, Comments?

– Time for questions, observations, and discussion about seed saving, food preservation, microgreens, or anything else related to the garden