Mass Aggie Seminars 2019
Register online for any of the Mass Aggie seminars by clicking here. We are unable to accept credit card payment this year due to a change in the UMass system, so we are asking folks to register online and pay by check or cash at the event. Some workshops have limited space so registering online is more likely to ensure enrollment.
If you do not wish to register online, you may print a registration form to mail. Click 
here, and you will open a pdf version of the registration form. You can print this form, select the seminars that you wish to attend, and mail it with a check for the appropriate amount.
| Date | Program (click title or scroll down for seminar description) |
Location (click town for directions) |
Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 23, 2019 | Home Orchard Pruning - a Hands-on Workshop | Park Hill Orchard, Easthampton, MA | 10am - 12pm | $45 |
| March 2, 2019 | Pruning Grapes - a Hands-on Workshop | UMass Cold Spring Orchard, Belchertown, MA | 10am - 12pm | $45 |
| March 9, 2019 | *For the Love of Cider! - a Classroom Workshop | Community Harvest Project Barn, N. Grafton, MA | 12pm - 2pm | $50 |
| March 16, 2019 | *Grafting Fruit Trees - a Hands-on Workshop | UMass Cold Spring Orchard, Belchertown, MA | 10am - 2pm | $100 |
| March 30, 2019 | Pruning Blueberries - a Hands-on Workshop | Tougas Family Farm, Northboro, MA | 10am - 12pm | $45 |
| April 6, 2019 | Home Orchard Establishment & Basics - a Classroom Workshop | Red Apple Farm, Phillipston, MA | 10am - 12pm | $50 |
| April 6, 2019 | Home Orchard Pest Management - a Hands-on Workshop | Red Apple Farm, Phillipston, MA | 1pm - 3pm | $50 |
| April 6, 2019 | Home Orchard am/pm sequence discount | Red Apple Farm, Phillipston, MA | 10am-3pm | $90 |
* this workshop is longer and/or involves additional plant material and supply costs
** the location for this workshop is not finalized but, since space is limited, you can sign up and you'll receive the location information soon.
Register online for any of the Mass Aggie seminars by clicking here. We are unable to accept credit card payment this year due to a change in the UMass system, so we are asking folks to register online and pay by check or cash at the event. Some workshops have limited space so registering online is more likely to ensure enrollment.
If you do not wish to register online, you may print a registration form to mail. Click here, and you will open a pdf version of the registration form. You can print this form, select the seminars that you wish to attend, and mail it with a check for the appropriate amount.
| Date | Program/Time/Location | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 23, 2019 | Pruning the Home Orchard - a Hands-on Workshop * Mr. Jon Clements and Ms. Liz Garofalo 10:00am to 12:00pm Park Hill Orchard |
The joy of growing fruit in the home garden is enjoying a renaissance. One of the key steps in successful fruit growing is the act of pruning the trees. This can seem daunting and complicated, but it’s not! Not once you understand the principles involved. Come learn how to properly prune your fruit trees (apples, pears, peaches, etc.). Participants will have the opportunity to conduct actual pruning and gain both experience and confidence in pruning fruit trees in order to produce a bountiful crop.* |
|
| March 2, 2019 |
Growing & Pruning Grapes - a Hands-on Workshop* |
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.*
|
|
| March 9, 2019 |
For the Love of Cider! - a Classroom Workshop |
This workshop will provide you with an overview of apples from the forests of Kazakhstan to the modern American orchard; Cider's long journey to becoming the most American thing you can do with apples. Come learn about these facinating heirloom and modern varieties and the flavor profiles they create as single varietal ciders or complex blends. Sampling of both Hard and Sweet ciders from local cideries will be included at no additional charge (must be over 21 to participate in the tasting). Space is limited so sign up early for this one! | |
| March 16, 2019 |
Fruit Tree Grafting - a Hands-on Workshop* Dr. Wes Autio 10:00am to 2:00pm |
Many people do not realize that all apple varieties are reproduced by grafting - they are not grown from seed. For horticultural enthusiasts, one of the most satisfying techniques to master is grafting. Wes Autio will present a hands-on workshop on “bench grafting” and “cleft grafting” of apple trees. Other grafting techniques will be discussed. Proper tools and sharpening will be included. All workshop participants will graft several apple trees to take home!* |
|
| March 30, 2019 | Pruning Blueberries - a Hands-on Workshop* Ms. Sonia Schloemann 10:00am to 12:00pm Tougas Family Farm |
Blueberries are among the most popular fruits to grow in the home garden. They are healthful and well suited to grow in our New England conditions Come learn the basics for pruning blueberries for your home landscape. Participants will get some hands-on pruning lessons. We’ll learn about tool maintenance and sharpening, too. Bring your own tools or use ours.* | |
| April 6, 2019 |
Home Orchard Establishment & Basics - a Classroom Workshop* |
Horticultural topics covered will be the basics of planting fruit trees, including site selection, choice of variety and rootstock, planting best practices, tree training and pruning, fertilization and ongoing fruit tree care. (In-depth pest management will be covered in the afternoon session.) If weather permits, there will be a hands-on demonstration of planting fruit trees at Red Apple Farm. |
|
| April 6, 2019 | Home Orchard Pest Management - a Hands-on Workshop* Dr. Jaime Piñero & Ms. Liz Garofalo 1:00pm - 3:00pm Red Apple Farm |
One of the most challenging thing about growing your own fruit is knowing how to identify the insect pests and diseases that might afflict them. Learn the basics of pest and disease identification and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the home orchard. Hands-on, scouting, monitoring, placement of traps, etc. will be covered.*
This workshop can be combined with the Home Orchard Establishment workshop held in the morning for a reduced price. |
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* These workshops will be partially out of doors, so please dress appropriately for potentially wet, cold, and muddy conditions.
| 2019 Locations |
|---|
|
82 Park Hill Rd, Easthampton, MA 01027 (413) 303-0335 |
|
UMass Cold Spring Orchard |
|
Community Harvest Project Barn 37 Wheeler Rd., N. Grafton MA 01536 (508) 839-7402 |
|
Tougas Family Farm |
|
Red Apple Farm (978) 249-6763 |