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.
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
Wicking Hydroponics for Soil-Free Gardening
Nov. 14
About the class:
Join the award-winning UC Master Gardener hydroponics team for an engaging class that takes hydroponic gardening to the next level. This session introduces the science of growing plants without soil through wicking, a simple process that draws nutrient-rich water up to the roots. The class will focus on wicking hydroponics, a versatile method that creates an ideal environment for growing a wide range of vegetables, especially root crops, without soil. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of wicking systems, identify the best materials to use and explore different options for building a system at home. The class will also cover essential plant care and maintenance. Whether you have a small patio, a balcony or limited outdoor space, wicking hydroponics offers a space-efficient, waterwise and sustainable way to grow fresh food year-round.
When:
Saturday, Nov. 14
Time:
10 a.m. – noon
RSVP online by Monday, Nov. 9
About the speaker:
The UC Master Gardener hydroponics team is the 2026 recipient of the statewide UC Master Gardener Search for Excellence Award. As a team of local gardening enthusiasts, they are dedicated to teaching research-based gardening practices and helping the community grow with confidence. Trained by the University of California Cooperative Extension, they provide trusted guidance to gardeners of all skill levels and are committed to sharing practical knowledge through education and outreach.
Tools and materials:
A $7 fee covers lecture and educational handouts.
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:
30 participants
Meeting location:
Centennial Farm Silo Building
Make It, Take It: Techniques in Food Preservation with UC Master Food Preservers
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:
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
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
December
Make It, Take It: DIY Winter Wreaths (Session 1)
Dec. 5
About the class:
Embrace the magic of the holiday season by creating a fresh winter wreath in the beautiful Millennium Barn at Centennial Farm. This class has become a beloved tradition at Centennial Farm and is sure to be a memorable activity for friends and family to enjoy together! All fresh greens, materials and instruction will be provided for this hands-on course to help you create a delightful wreath.
When:
Saturday, Dec. 5
Time:
9:30 a.m. – noon
RSVP online by Sunday, Nov. 29
About the speaker:
Marie Gregory AIFD, CFD, is an accomplished professional floral designer with experience in every field of floral design and a specialty in wedding florals. As a freelance designer, Gregory’s custom arrangements and stylish designs have brightened homes, offices, holiday and community events, and wedding ceremonies (700 happy couples and counting) for more than 30 years. Each December, she lends her talents to the Fiesta Float Company, helping to create floats for the Rose Parade. She is also a board director for the Southwest chapter of the American Institute of Floral Design, a certified floral evaluator and judge, and has served as a judge at the Orange County and San Diego County fairs.
Tools and materials:
An $85 fee covers materials and any handouts. Ribbon and décor selection will be limited – feel free to bring your own to personalize your winter wreath. We recommend participants bring their own pruners and gloves.
Refund policy:
There will be no refunds for cancellations made within seven days of a class. For cancellations made earlier, only the class fee will be refunded. Booking fees are nonrefundable.
Class maximum:
30 participants
Meeting location:
Millennium Barn at Centennial Farm
Make It, Take It: DIY Winter Wreaths (Session 2)
Dec. 5
About the class:
Embrace the magic of the holiday season by creating a fresh winter wreath in the beautiful Millennium Barn at Centennial Farm. This class has become a beloved tradition at Centennial Farm and is sure to be a memorable activity for friends and family to enjoy together! All fresh greens, materials and instruction will be provided for this hands-on course to help you create a delightful wreath.
When:
Saturday, Dec. 5
Time:
1 – 3:30 p.m.
RSVP online by Sunday, Nov. 29
About the speaker:
Marie Gregory AIFD, CFD, is an accomplished professional floral designer with experience in every field of floral design and a specialty in wedding florals. As a freelance designer, Gregory’s custom arrangements and stylish designs have brightened homes, offices, holiday and community events, and wedding ceremonies (700 happy couples and counting) for more than 30 years. Each December, she lends her talents to the Fiesta Float Company, helping to create floats for the Rose Parade. She is also a board director for the Southwest chapter of the American Institute of Floral Design, a certified floral evaluator and judge, and has served as a judge at the Orange County and San Diego County fairs.
Tools and materials:
An $85 fee covers materials and any handouts. Ribbon and décor selection will be limited – feel free to bring your own to personalize your winter wreath. We recommend participants bring their own pruners and gloves.
Refund policy:
There will be no refunds for cancellations made within seven days of a class. For cancellations made earlier, only the class fee will be refunded. Booking fees are nonrefundable.
Class maximum:
30 participants
Meeting location:
Millennium Barn at Centennial Farm