Would you attend a SFG workshop?

If so, what would you expect it to be like?

I just taught my first class, a free Introduction to Square Foot Gardening. Read about it here. After the class I was asked by a few of the attendees if I would consider holding a workshop. So...

If I do, can you give me some ideas of what to do and what not to do? You can read my thoughts in my post noted above. How long do you think it should last if I have maybe four to six "students"?

Any and all ideas are welcome.

Thank you.

Claire

Congratulations on your first class!!!, I'll bet it was a lot of fun. I would definetly attend a SFG workshop. I would appreciate a "hands-on" class; like actually building boxes, mixing MM, building a trellis etc. Just one project per workshop. Maybe if you palnned a series, people could pick what they are interested in or attend the whole series. Could be a very ambitious and fulfilling adventure. Wish you were in my neck of the woods!! Good luck.

I would definitely cover what 5 types of compost means and maybe have some empty bags or pictures of local products.

You could give your grandsons an opportunity to deliver, build, and set up sfg boxes for folks who are not able/inclined to do that sort of thing.

I definitely would; I think it would be particularly helpful for first/second year SFGers to hold a "trouble-shooting" session.

There is a couple here in MN that does classes in several communities. After the first class they offer the opportunity to get your Mel's Mix at cost. You meet at their house and they have all the ingredients and everybody has to help mix it. Then you purchase it at cost. It would be a great way to talk about and actually see all the ingredients. People can also see SFG from start to finish in their yard.

Thanks guys for your thoughts. I really appreciate it.

Chopper -- you are right. People need to understand what "five types of compost" looks like. I had about 8 different bags of locally purchased stuff -- cow manure, chicken manure, mushroom compost, worm castings, community compost, plus my own home garden/fruit/veggie/coffee ground/egg shell stuff, and I can't remember what all else, all lined up and we did talk a lot about that.

That brought up the question, "How am I going to mix all that if I make an SFG?" That was my first glimmer of holding a workshop. "Bring it all here and we'll mix it", says I. My DH said !!! "What is she getting herself into?"

Trust -- I hadn't thought of doing this in a series. I like that idea. Build boxes; make the mix; build trellis; and Herblover's idea of trouble-shooting. Sign up for all or just one or two!

Boffer -- The Gsons definitely will be involved! For sure the one that is with me most of the time. He was just accepted to a pricey private school for 9th grade next year and the whole family is pitching in to make this happen. He will earn his daily spending money doing this. I never thought of him going out to peoples yards and setting the stuff up. That's a great idea. I know he can help build the boxes and grids, and certainly turn the composter for mixing.

milaneyjane -- How do the people who mix the Mel's Mix in your area figure the price they charge? You said everbody mixes it and they purchase it at cost. They won't need a whole bag of peat or V. so how do these folks figure it? Do people take home the leftovers or just what they need for their size box? I like this idea but I'm no good at figuring out how to do it and charge. I would have to make some money though -- my part of the tuition commitment! I'm thinking pass-the-hat for a good will offering if I do this at home.

If I do this at the garden center I guess it would be different. I'd have to set a price for my involvement.

You have all been very helpful stimulating the wheels in my brain. For this I thank you immensely! Keep your thoughts coming and I will let you know how this all evolves.

Thank you so much!

Claire

Oh, I think people will take classes/workshops...even if they are in series. that would probably help gardeners get the most out of it.

One thing you could do is take pictures that have been posted here (or elsewhere on the net), blow them up, print and laminate them. You could start a binder of different ideas for folks who are new to this whole thing. Have a section of garden set-ups; shapes of boxes, layouts, etc..., another section could be pictures of trellis ideas: hog panels, conduit poles and netting, sticks in the ground, etc.....
It wouldn't necessarily be something for you to teach, but it'd be a nice way for others to get good ideas.

http://www.thelandonline.com/features/x993490831/Cover-story-Gardening-done-on-the-square

Here is an article on the couple with a link to their website at the bottom. I am sure they would be very receptive to your questions. My neighbor was the one that was going to go there to get the mix, but we wanted to get our gardens going before they actually had the class.

New2this, I like you binder idea! That sounds like a great solution even if I do have demo gardens available where I hold a class. I know I always like looking at the pictures of others creativity! That will go on my list of "show and tell".

Milaneyjane, I read the article. The Lahrs are real missionaries! Thanks for the lead. I may try to get in touch with them about the compost.

Thanks everyone. Please keep the ideas coming.

Claire

Claire,

I would love to attend one of your workshops or classes.

Thanks
Marcy

My DH mixed our MM for our 9 beds in a portable concrete mixer. This might work for workshops.

Great idea! Right now further classes are on hold until life settles down. But further classes there will be!

Stay tuned and thanks all for your input.

Claire