Farm & Garden Classes
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.
January
Fruitful Pruning
Jan. 10
About the Class:
Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned fruit tree enthusiast, enhance your pruning skills with this insightful class led by Isabel Barkman. Dive into the optimal timing for pruning various fruit trees, including stone fruit, citrus and avocado. This class covers the essential techniques of pruning and delves into why Southern California’s pruning season is unique compared to the rest of the United States. Isabel’s lecture will also include a demonstration. Join us to master the art of pruning and ensure the health and productivity of your fruit trees!
When:
Saturday, Jan. 10
Time:
10 a.m. – noon
RSVP online by Jan. 7
About the speaker:
Isabel Barkman is a local gardening expert and has been a member of the California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc., since 1991. She is a former volunteer with the UCCE Orange County Master Gardener program. She has presented at numerous plant and gardening events and is a volunteer at the South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine. She also volunteers at Centennial Farm, focusing on caring for various fruit and deciduous trees.
Tools & materials:
$7 fee covers materials and any 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, not the booking fees.
Class Maximum:
50 participants
Dig In! Growing Root Vegetables with Success
Jan. 24
About the Class:
Root vegetables are some of the most rewarding crops to grow, especially during Southern California’s cooler months. They’re garden favorites and nutritional powerhouses, providing fiber and key nutrients that support digestion and overall health. Join local gardener Kylie Gilliam for a hands-on class designed to help gardeners of all experience levels feel confident growing crops below the soil surface.
The class will cover the essentials of growing popular root vegetables, including proper soil preparation, spacing, watering and timing for planting and harvesting. The discussion will also include which root crops perform best in our region and how container gardening can be an effective option for patios, balconies and small spaces.
Participants will receive all the materials needed to plant their own small container garden during the class and will leave with a container planted with root vegetable seeds to continue growing at home. Whether you are new to gardening or looking to expand your skills, this class offers practical guidance and hands-on experience to set you up for success.
When:
Saturday, Jan. 24
Time:
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
RSVP online by Jan. 16
About the speaker:
Kylie Gilliam is a certified Gardenary consultant and founder of Blue Ribbon Garden, where she specializes in designing and installing edible gardens for urban spaces. With a passion for sustainable living, Gilliam empowers individuals and communities to grow their own food and create eco-friendly environments. Her expertise extends to permaculture principles, ensuring each garden is both productive and in harmony with nature. Through her work, Gilliam fosters a deeper connection between people and the natural world while promoting health and sustainability.
Tools & materials:
$30 fee covers all tools and materials, including a small container, soil and seeds.
Refund Policy:
No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within one week of the class, as materials and plants will have already been ordered. For earlier cancellations, only the class fee will be refunded, not booking fees.
Class Maximum:
30 participants
February
Make It, Take It – Techniques in Food Preservation
Feb. 7
About the Class:
This class provides participants with up-to-date processing recommendations while explaining the science and food-safety principles behind each method. Instructors from the UCCE Master Food Preservers will cover why specific preservation steps matter, how to prevent foodborne illness and how following tested recipes and procedures ensures safe, high-quality results. Participants will also learn about essential equipment used in food preservation, including proper jar selection, lids, tools and storage practices.
During the hands-on portion of the class, participants will prepare and preserve food, gaining practical experience they can replicate at home. Each participant will leave with two preserved items made during the class, along with the knowledge and confidence to continue preserving food safely on their own.
When:
Saturday, Feb. 7
Time:
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
RSVP online by Jan. 31
About the speaker:
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 & 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:
No refunds will be issued 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
Sow and Grow! Seed Starting from Scratch
Feb. 21
About the Class:
February is the perfect time to get a head start on your garden in Southern California, making it an ideal moment to begin growing plants from seed. Starting plants from seed is one of the most rewarding and cost-effective ways to grow a garden, but it can feel intimidating without the right guidance. Join local gardener Kylie Gilliam for a hands-on class designed to help gardeners of all experience levels feel confident starting seeds successfully this season.
During the class, participants will learn how to select quality seeds, choose the right soil and containers, understand proper watering and lighting needs, and recognize the signs of healthy germination. Gilliam will also cover common seed-starting challenges and how to avoid them. Participants will plant their own vegetable seeds during the class and leave with a seeded container to continue growing at home. Whether you are preparing for a spring vegetable garden, starting flowers or looking to deepen your gardening skills, this class provides practical knowledge and hands-on experience to set you up for success.
When:
Saturday, Feb. 21
Time:
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
RSVP online by Feb. 13
About the speaker:
Kylie Gilliam is a certified Gardenary consultant and founder of Blue Ribbon Garden, where she specializes in designing and installing edible gardens for urban spaces. With a passion for sustainable living, Gilliam empowers individuals and communities to grow their own food and create eco-friendly environments. Her expertise extends to permaculture principles, ensuring each garden is both productive and in harmony with nature. Through her work, Gilliam fosters a deeper connection between people and the natural world while promoting health and sustainability.
Tools & materials:
$35 fee covers all materials, including a small container box, soil, seeds and instructional resources.
Refund Policy:
No refunds will be issued 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
Homegrown Tomatoes
Feb. 28
About the Class:
If there is just one edible plant to grow at home, it’s the tomato. Nowhere else is the contrast in flavor, nutrition and variety between homegrown and store-bought more evident. As a specialty crop of California, tomatoes play a vital role in the state’s agricultural heritage. This how-to lecture will provide all the practical knowledge necessary to begin growing tomatoes. You’ll see tomato plants producing 50 to more than 100 tomatoes each. Learn which varieties to grow, how to plant and care for them, and how to manage common diseases and pests. Bring your questions and learn how to grow tomatoes easily!
When:
Saturday, Feb. 28
Time:
10 a.m. – noon
RSVP online by Feb. 25
About the speaker:
Dave Freed, “The Tomato Guy,” researches, educates and helps other backyard farmers successfully propagate the ever-popular homegrown tomato. Every year, Freed grows a variety of hybrid, heirloom, cherry and beefsteak tomatoes in both containers and regular backyard soil. He always has plenty of tomatoes and is happy to share his tips.
Tools & materials:
$7 fee covers any handouts.
Refund Policy:
No refunds will be issued 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:
50 participants
March
Scraps to Soil: Build Your Own Worm Compost Bin
March 21
About the Class:
Discover how worms can play a powerful role in reducing food waste and creating healthy soil. Led by John Craig of weCompost2, this class introduces participants to vermiculture, the practice of composting with worms. Vermiculture is an accessible and efficient way to recycle food scraps while producing nutrient-rich compost that supports plant growth and soil health. It is especially well suited for Southern California gardens, including apartments, patios and small outdoor spaces.
The class begins with an engaging lecture covering the basics of worm composting. Participants will learn how vermiculture works, which materials can be composted and how worms contribute to healthy soil ecosystems. Following the lecture, participants will take part in a hands-on activity in which they build their own mini worm compost bin. All materials are provided, and the instructor will guide participants step by step through setting up a bin that can be easily maintained at home. No prior gardening or composting experience is required..
When:
Saturday, March 21
Time:
10 a.m. – noon
RSVP online by March 14
About the Speaker:
John Craig is the founder and executive director of weCompost2, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting on-site composting and building healthy, living soils within local communities. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in geology and later completed advanced training in composting through a master composter program. His professional work focuses on soil health, waste reduction and education around sustainable composting systems that can be implemented at home, in schools and in community settings. Craig’s teaching style emphasizes practical knowledge, environmental responsibility and approachable solutions that make composting accessible to people of all experience levels..
Tools & materials:
The class fee is $25 for adults and $5 for ages 17 and under. All materials needed to create a mini worm compost bin during the class, including worms, are provided. Participants are encouraged to bring a pair of garden gloves
Refund Policy:
No refunds will be issued 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:
50 participants