Small-acreage farming workshop series begins May 25 at UOG

New farmers with small acreages are invited to a free six-session workshop series being offered by the University of Guam’s Land Grant extension agents. The workshops will teach agroforestry—the simultaneous cultivation of crops and trees—using sustainable practices for growers with limited space of up to 1 acre.

The workshops will take place from 8:30am to noon on six Saturdays, starting on May 25. Each workshop will include a classroom portion, a field activity, and a special crop highlight. After each session, participants will take home several handouts and publications as well as a food-producing tree that they can plant.

The schedule and topics are as follows:

Saturday, May 25

Topics: Agriculture philosophies, methods of production, sheet mulching

Crop Highlight: Lemongrass

Saturday, June 8

Topics: Farmer classifications, plant propagation techniques, fruit trees for windbreaks

Crop Highlights: Soursop and sweet potato

Saturday, June 15

Topics: Soil testing, soil fertility and nutrient management, propagation by corm and stem cuttings

Crop Highlights: Plantains and bananas

Saturday, July 6

Topics: Mapping your microplot, container production, composting

Crop Highlights: Basil and eggplant

Saturday, July 13

Topics: Farming on a slope, vegetative barriers and hedgerows, less toxic homemade pesticides, government programs for farming

Crop Highlight: Pigeon peas

Saturday, July 20

Topics: Requirements to become a bona fide farmer, requirements for CHamoru Land Trust leases, drip irrigation, raised bed gardening

Crop Highlights: Okra, lettuce, kale, Chinese kale, hot peppers

Registration

Register at https://url.uog.edu/new-farmer-training-2024. Registration is on first-come, first-served basis up to 50 people per session. Registrants are encouraged to sign up for all six, although they can choose individual workshops as well.

For more information or assistance registering, contact Tiana Paulino at (671) 735-2000 or paulinot16265@triton.uog.edu.

The workshop series is funded by a Renewable Resources Extension Act grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a Professional Development Program grant from Western Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education. (PR)