General Information
Age: Classes are intended for participants 16 years and older unless otherwise noted. (Centennial Farm is open to the public, but we ask that you do not leave your children unattended on the farm.)
Location: Silo Building at Centennial Farm, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Cost: Fees for each class vary and are noted in the class description.
Refund Policy: No refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class.
September
Hydroponics for the Home Gardener: Build Your Own System
Sept. 12
About the class:
Join UC Master Gardeners for an engaging, hands-on class that takes hydroponic gardening to the next level! This session introduces participants to the Kratky hydroponic method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water. Attendees will learn about plant care, nutrient solutions, lighting requirements and system maintenance. Additionally, the class includes a DIY portion where participants assemble a simple hydroponic system designed for a single plant, which they can take home and use right away. All supplies, including a lettuce seedling, will be provided. Whether you have a small patio, a second-story balcony or a free spot indoors, hydroponic gardening is a space-efficient and sustainable way to grow fresh food year-round!
When:
Saturday, Sept. 12
Time:
10 a.m. – noon
RSVP online by Tuesday, Sept. 8
About the speaker:
UC Master Gardeners are a team of local gardening enthusiasts dedicated to teaching best gardening practices. Trained by the University of California Cooperative Extension, they provide expert advice to gardeners of all skill levels. The Master Gardeners have presented at numerous horticultural events throughout Orange County and actively volunteer at Centennial Farm, inspiring others to incorporate gardening into their lives. They are committed to empowering the community through hands-on education and outreach.
Tools and materials:
A $15 fee covers all materials, including a simple hydroponic system and a lettuce seedling to take home.
Refund policy:
There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only the class fee will be refunded. Booking fees are nonrefundable.
Class maximum:
35 participants
Meeting location:
Centennial Farm Silo Building
October
Your Guide to Urban Chicken Keeping
Oct. 10
About the class:
Join us for a practical introduction to backyard chicken keeping designed for Southern California’s urban and suburban environments. Learn how to select breeds that fit your space and goals, including bantams, which can be an excellent choice for smaller yards. Instructor Adam Waugh will cover the essentials of raising a healthy flock, from designing the right coop and providing proper nutrition to managing health. Participants will also learn about different breeds, egg production and important considerations for keeping chickens while complying with local ordinances and maintaining good neighborly relations.
When:
Saturday, Oct. 10
Time:
10 a.m. – noon
RSVP online by Monday, Oct. 5
About the speaker:
Adam Waugh is a high school science teacher with a passion for urban agriculture and sustainable living. During the summer, he works in Centennial Farm’s Garden & Floral Department at the OC Fair, sharing his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for gardening and plant care. A keen urban farmer, Waugh specializes in gardening and raising chickens in his backyard, skillfully maximizing the potential of small breeds in limited urban spaces.
Tools and materials:
A $7 fee covers materials and any handouts.
Refund policy:
There are no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only the class fee will be refunded. Booking fees are nonrefundable.
Class maximum:
40 participants
Meeting location:
Centennial Farm Silo Building
Make It, Take It: Repurposing Pumpkins into Succulent Planters
Oct. 17
About the class:
After Halloween, we all face the annual ordeal of what to do with our decorative pumpkins. We have a creative, eco-friendly solution! In this hands-on workshop, instructor Kylie Gilliam will teach you how to turn whole pumpkins into vibrant, living arrangements that stay fresh through Thanksgiving. You will learn how to design and arrange an assortment of colorful succulents on a bed of moss without any carving, ensuring the pumpkin stays healthy while the cuttings root directly into the display. Kylie will cover simple care tips to keep your arrangement thriving all autumn long, plus how to transition your succulents into the garden once the holidays are over. All materials, including the pumpkin, succulents and decorative mosses, are provided.
When:
Saturday, Oct. 17
Time:
10 a.m. – noon
RSVP online by Friday, Oct. 9
About the speaker:
Kylie Gilliam is a certified Gardenary consultant and the founder of Blue Ribbon Garden, where she specializes in designing and installing edible gardens for urban spaces. With a passion for sustainable living, she empowers individuals and communities to grow their own food and build eco-friendly environments using permaculture principles that harmonize with nature. In addition to her garden design work, Gilliam serves as the Culinary Department supervisor during the annual OC Fair, bringing deep community roots and hands-on teaching experience to every workshop.
Tools and materials:
$45 fee covers all supplies and handouts. Each participant will receive a pumpkin, moss and an assortment of live succulents. Participants may wish to bring small pruners, gardening gloves or craft scissors.
Refund policy:
There will be no refunds for cancellations made within seven (7) days of a class. For cancellations made prior, only the class fee will be refunded. Booking fees are nonrefundable.
Class maximum:
30 participants
Meeting location:
Centennial Farm Silo Building
November
Make It, Take It: Techniques in Food Preservation with UC Master Food Preserves
Nov. 21
About the class:
This hands-on class will teach you up-to-date processing recommendations, how to safely preserve your food and the reasons behind each step. You’ll learn about the essential equipment used in food preservation and effective storage practices. Then, you’ll put your skills into practice by making two recipes to take home. The recipes will be shared with registered participants leading up to the class date.
When:
Saturday, Nov. 21
Time:
10 a.m. – noon
RSVP online by Friday, Nov. 13
About the instructors:
Volunteers from the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Food Preservers of Orange County will provide instruction and information. The Master Food Preserver (MFP) program is a public service community outreach initiative providing up-to-date information on food safety and preservation. For information about the MFP program, please visit ucanr.edu/sites/MFPOC/.
Tools and materials:
$45 class fee covers ingredients, handouts and two canning jars with lids and rings. Knives will be provided, but you may bring your own if preferred. Aprons are highly recommended. Tied-back hair and closed-toe shoes are required.
Refund policy:
There will be no refunds for cancellations made within seven (7) days of a class. For cancellations made prior, only the class fee will be refunded. Booking fees are nonrefundable.
Class maximum:
20 participants
Meeting location:
Centennial Farm Silo Building