Thanks to popular demand, Cornell Cooperative Extension will be offering a new series of homesteading classes this fall and winter.
Classes will cover a variety of topics that support self-sufficient lifestyles, with titles like “Seed Saving” and “Fermenting at Home.”
The Cooperative Extension recently hosted a first series of homesteading classes which started at the end of March, marketing director Marc Ducharme said. The first round of classes proved very popular.
“They’re all about helping people to live more self-sufficient lifestyles,” Ducharme said.
This round of classes are new, except for the Sept. 22 basket weaving class. The workshops will all be held at 6 p.m. on Thursdays. Attendees must register and prepay for all classes
Surveys to determine the type of classes the public was interested in taking were sent out, and the classes reflect those choices.
The workshops are: “Seed Saving,” Sept. 8, $15; Log Cabin Quilting, Sept. 15, $20; Wonderful Weaving 102, Sept. 22, $25; Growing Garlic at Home, Oct. 6, $15; Fermenting at Home, Oct. 20; The Art of Herbology: Lip Saver for Cold Winter Weather, Nov. 17, $25 and Meat the Farmer, Dec. 1, $15.
For more information or to register, contact Amanda at 433-8839 ext. 231, or email app27@cornell.edu.
Cornell Cooperative Extension horticulturalist John Farfaglia will be teaching the Oct. 6 “Growing Garlic at Home” class.
Garlic is a fairly easy crop to grow at home, Farfaglia said. “It grows very well in our climate and doesn’t have many pests.”
Farfaglia also pointed out that most garlic sold in supermarkets is imported from China, although there are plenty of local garlic growers in Niagara County and Western New York.
Unlike many crops, garlic is planted in the fall, usually in October. It is usually harvested in the summer.
“When it starts to snow, it stops growing, but it’s quite hardy,” Farfaglia said.
Farfaglia said that he’s seen a trend in people being more concerned about the safety of their food.
“They want to know where their food comes from and how it’s grown,” Farfaglia said. “We’re enjoying the renewed interest in homesteading.”
Click here to view original web page at www.lockportjournal.com
