Individual workshops
Basic Maintenance and Operation of Farm Equipment
Course ID: SWIC 011
Would you like to increase productivity, decrease machine down time, and limit costly repairs? This course will review practices used in the maintenance, preventative maintenance, and operation of farm equipment.
John Spencer will discuss the engine cooling system, engine lubrication system, engine fuel system, engine air system, electrical system, transmission and hydraulic systems, tires and ballasting, proper attachment of towed implements, implement drive lines (PTO), fuels, oils and lubricants, blade sharpening and more.
Next workshop date to be announced
Fee: $60 + GST
Register for Basic Maintenance and Operation of Farm Equipment
Backyard Chickens – Basics and Biosecurity
Would you like to learn more about keeping your backyard chickens happy and healthy? Join James Lockwood of Lockwood Farms and Conrad Murphy of Providence Farm for an introduction to breed selection, housing, protection from predators, feed requirements, health concerns, biosecurity and more.
Workshop: Tuesday, May 7, 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Providence Farm
Fee: $30 + GST
Workshop Series
Take one workshop or sign up for a series of workshops.
Climate-adapted Growing Series
Xeriscaping
Course ID: HGXG 001
Join Bernie Dinter to learn all about xeriscaping, landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation. Bernie will discuss plant selection and management techniques that will enable you to create a healthy and resilient garden in a changing climate.
Workshop: Sunday, March 10, 2 to 3:30 pm at Providence Farm
Fee: $20 + GST
Irrigation Design
Course ID: HGTL 001
Would you like to improve the efficiency of the irrigation system in your home garden or small farm? In this course, you will learn how to select and design a system based on your water supply, crops, soil type, drainage and the local environment. This will help you to use only the water that you need for your crops. This will be a hands-on workshop that will include a tour of the systems in place at Providence Farm.
Instructor: Jeff Shaw
Workshop: Sunday, March 30, 2 to 4 pm at Providence Farm
Fee: $30 + GST
Register for Irrigation Design
Rainwater Capture and Storage
Course ID: HGOL 004
Are you interested in learning to harvest and store rainwater for use in your garden or on your farm? In response to escalating water demands exacerbated by fluctuating supplies and increasingly severe weather patterns, rainwater harvesting emerges as a vital alternative water source in our region. This presentation offers an introductory exploration of rainwater harvesting, delving into fundamental concepts, design principles, regulatory considerations, and optimal approaches for small to medium-scale residential and agricultural applications. Intrinsically linked to rainwater harvesting is conservation, a theme which Gord will illuminate with practical insights drawn from his experiences nurturing a 650-tree orchard alongside his partner Ann. The orchard serves not only as a source of fruit and nuts but also as a means of land remediation, transforming a former scrap yard and gravel pit into a thriving ecosystem. Expect a dynamic and engaging session, with ample opportunity for participant interaction and inquiry, as Gord thrives on fostering dialogue and sharing knowledge.
Instructor: Gord Baird
Workshop: Sunday, March 24, 2 to 4 pm at Providence Farm
Fee: $30 + GST
Register for Rainwater Capture and Storage
Register for all three workshops
You can register for all three workshops for a reduced fee.
Supporting Pollinators and Beneficial Insects series
Introduction to Backyard Beekeeping
Course ID: HGBK 001
Are you interested in becoming a beekeeper, or are you new to raising bees? In this course, you will learn about tools and equipment, pests and diseases of the honeybee, and other essentials for the first years of beekeeping. In addition, this workshop will explore the top pollinator plants that you could establish to provide forage for honeybees and other native pollinators.
Instructor: Gordon MacKay
Workshop: Tuesday, April 16, 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Providence Farm
Fee: $30 + GST
Register for Introduction to Backyard Beekeeping
Introduction to Native Pollinators
Course ID: HGBL 001
Are you interested in learning about native pollinators in BC? This workshop will introduce you to the rich diversity of pollinator species in our region, their role in the ecosystem, and the challenges that they face. Students will also learn how they can support these species in their region.
Workshop: Tuesday, April 23, 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Providence Farm
Fee: $30 + GST
Register for Introduction to Native Pollinators
Introduction to Meadow Making
Join us to learn about establishing a native plant meadow that is inspired by Prairie-Oak/Garry Oak Ecosystems/kwetlal food systems of Southeastern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Learn techniques that can be applied to lawn, boulevard, septic field, green roof, community gardens and more, including how to remove unwanted grass, seeding and planting approaches, timing, expectations, and maintenance. Explore the benefits of planting with native plants and the wildlife rewards you might experience. This workshop will prepare you to dig into your meadow-making project!
Instructor: Kristen Miskelly of Satinflower Nurseries
Workshop: Tuesday, April 30, 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Providence Farm
Fee: $30 + GST
Register for Introduction to Meadow Making
Register for all three workshops
You can register for all three workshops for a reduced fee.
Register for Supporting Pollinators and Beneficial Insects series
Questions?
For questions about any of these workshops, email PDTCowichan@viu.ca.
You can also sign up to get an email when we have new agriculture courses to share.