Backyards, Lots, and Small Plots

Workshop Session I: 9:15-10:30 a.m.

Connecting the Dots: Regeneration of Soil, Plants, and People

Debra Knapke, The Garden Sage

“Regeneration” is a term offered as a substitute for organic and sustainable. But it isn’t a replacement; for some it is a next step, for others it is everything. Learn about functional gardens and regenerative practices that connect gardeners, farmers, and anyone who works on the land. Glean garden plans, plants, and better practices for living gently on the Earth.

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Workshop Session II: 10:45 a.m.-Noon

Ecological Landscaping and Beyond

Wesley Duren, Marvin’s Organic Gardens

Dive into the world of ecological landscaping for home gardeners and those looking to get into a growing and highly profitable industry. Discuss plant selection, garden styles, weed control, soil building, erosion control, drainage, fertilization, natural building, water conservation, and much more.

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Workshop Session III: 1:30-2:45 p.m. 

When Two Wheels Are Better Than Four: Walk-Behind Tractors for Small-Scale Farming

Joel DuFour, Earth Tools

Learn about what options exist for walk-behind agricultural equipment, which both greatly reduce equipment cost and increase the efficiency of working small farms. Hear the history, construction, applications, economics, and basic maintenance of this equipment.

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Workshop Session IV: 3-4:15 p.m

Benefits of Fungi

Cheryl and Vernon Clements, Melanated Mushrooms

Discover the nutritional and medicinal benefits of key mushroom varieties, exploring their role not just in individual well-being, but also in soil health and sustainable farming practices. Gain practical insights for farmers, learning how to integrate mushroom cultivation for soil remediation and companion planting. There will be informational sheets on mushroom attributes, empowering you with the knowledge for a holistic and sustainable approach to health and farming.

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Workshop Session V: 10:45-Noon

Small-Space Indoor Production of Microgreens and Mushrooms as a Way to Create a Viable Income and Help People Out of Poverty

Tom Phillips, StarkFresh, Alexis Philips, Little Greens Mama

Hear the results of two Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) projects that demonstrate ways mutually beneficial partnerships can help people in poverty create viable incomes through small-space, indoor farming businesses. Real-life case studies will be shared of a microgreen and mushroom farms in an urban environment.

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Workshop Session VI: 1:30-2:45 p.m.

Tree Fruit Production for Beginning Growers

Michelle Wallace, Central State University

Ohio’s climate is ideal for growing tree fruit, adding diversification to your farm. Learn more about orchard management, production costs, and considerations.

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Workshop Session VII: 3-4:15 p.m.

On-Farm Cultivation of Goldenseal: A High-Value Ohio Specialty Crop, and Other Forest Botanicals

Andrea Miller, Rural Action

Goldenseal is a high-value specialty crop with a long Ohio history. This native forest botanical is prized and harvested for its medicinal qualities, and almost all of the global demand for it is met through wild harvest. Its commercial value has continued to increase, and it is possible to sustainably cultivate the plant in a traditional forest setting and a nontraditional setting, like raised garden beds. The sustainable cultivation of goldenseal can not only diversify a farming enterprise, but can also help relieve pressure from wild populations. 

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