SARATOGA COUNTY — CCE Saratoga is launching another Homesteading Series. With the resurgence of a desire for a more self-sufficient lifestyle, the organization continues to offer valuable resources to help individuals do just that. The Spring 2022 Homesteading Series consists of 3 separate classes and launches on March 31; class costs range between $10-$15 or $30 for the complete series.
Introduction to Canning Food at Home (with Diane Whitten): Food preservation goes hand-in-hand with gardening for self-sufficiency. Canned foods that have been processed safely will remain safe for years. In this workshop, you’ll learn about boiling water canning, steam canning, and pressure canning. A demonstration of making jam will show some of the essential steps to successful canning. This class will be held on Thursday, March 31 from 6 to 8 p.m.; cost is $15. Class will be held in-person at CCE Saratoga County, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa or remote via Zoom (after registration the Zoom link will be sent).
Planning a Better Vegetable Garden (with Rebecca Devaney): Kick this year’s vegetable garden up a notch by learning how to apply organic methods to grow happier, healthier veggies. Topics to be discussed include creating a plant family rotation plan, incorporating cover crops, and companion plantings, and building a stronger soil foundation. This class will be held on Thursday, April 14 via Zoom from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; cost is $10.
Homesteader Fencing 101 (with Nicolina Foti): “Good fences make for good neighbors. They make for better livestock!” Fences are the patchwork of any farm or homestead and choosing the right material for the job can make all the difference between a good experience with livestock or not. The art of a good fence comes down to the material, tools, and how to use them. While it takes time to perfect, this class will address the basics so you can choose the best fences and tools to keep your livestock in or out. This class will be held on Wednesday, April 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., in-person at the 4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd, Ballston Spa; cost is $10.
Call the CCE Saratoga office at 518-885-8995 to sign up for these workshops or with any question you may have.
