VGCC classes offer instruction in Sustainable Agriculture at home

Vance-Granville Community College is offering two new personal enrichment courses to help area residents learn how to produce their own vegetables and honey. Both courses are scheduled to be held on Thursday evenings from 6 until 9 p.m., Sept. 12 through Sept. 26, on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County.

 

In “Eating From Your Backyard,” instructor Barry Barker will focus on the process of creating a vegetable garden in the backyard, discussing the different options from raised beds to container and vertical gardening.  “We will also discuss the times of the year that vegetables can be successfully grown in our area along with soil composition and quality,” Barker said. “The final day will be spent looking at recipes for the produce we can grow and demonstrating some of the cooking processes as well as storage.”

 

The other course is “Beekeeping: Harvesting Honey & Winterization,” and is taught by Warren County farmer Mike Holland. This is a follow-up to Holland’s successful “Beekeeping Basics” classes, but students are welcome regardless of prior experience. Students will learn how to prepare their colonies for the winter months. Holland noted that beekeeping is compatible with his own philosophy of sustainability and self-sufficient living. “Beekeeping obviously supports and sustains other plants on the farm because of bees’ role in pollination, and honey is not only popular and nutritious but is also used for medicinal purposes,” Holland said.

 

The cost of each class is $40 (including all fees).

 

For more information and to register for either course, contact Theresa Somerville at (252) 738-3427 or SomervilleT@vgcc.edu .