Coverdale Farm Preserve is a 356-acre farm and nature preserve located in Greenville, DE. We are pleased to offer a series of free hands-on workshops for farmers of all levels of experience and scale of operation. Registration is required. To register please contact Michele Wales: michele@delnature.org.
Spring 2017 Series: Protected Culture Growing includes the use of greenhouses, high tunnels, low tunnels, hoop houses, and caterpillar tunnels. Both high and low tech options are designed to help defend your crops against the extremes of nature from torrential rains, parching drought, scorching heat, and frigid cold. Protected Culture Growing extends your seasons, brings harvests earlier in spring and later in fall to your customers, and can be used on acres of open field to urban raised bed gardens. Engage in hands-on workshops that take you from construction to production targeting key topics for your growing success.
High Tunnel Construction II & “Ground Breaking”
Wednesday, April 19, 8:00pm – 12:00pm
Rain/Wind date: Friday, April 21, 8:00am – 12:00pm
This continuation from Protected Culture Construction I will complete the 24’ x 96’ high tunnel with the installation of the plastic exterior shell. Then move inside the newly constructed tunnel and focus on the soil and preparations for planting. Learn how to test soil (free soil test kits for all participants), methods for soil amendments, laying plastic, and installing a fertigation system.
Vegetable Production in High Tunnels
Wednesday, May 17, 8:00am – 12:00pm
Rain Date: Friday, May 19, 8:00am – 12:00pm
Vegetables are the focus of this workshop with particular attention to selected varieties trailed for protected culture growing, operating and managing irrigation and fertigation systems, utilizing a vine clip trellis system, plant health, pruning, and planting schedules for maximized production.
Troubleshooting in High Tunnels
Wednesday, June 21, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Keep your plants thriving and productive. Learn to identify common pests including insects, plant diseases, nutrient deficiencies. Discover preventative strategies, steps, and solutions to compromising conditions in order to maximize yields.