Grow Better Veggies

Class: Tomato Masters 2009

July 12, 2009 (Sunday) 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sorry, July 12 class is now full, please register for

August 23, 2009 (Sunday) 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  OR

New class date added: September 1, 2009 (Tuesday) 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

This is a hands-on seminar on advanced backyard tomato growing.  Learn the latest techniques for fertilizing, pruning, and soil amending for maximum production, health and taste.  Yes, you CAN help your tomatoes taste better.  Yes, you CAN achieve results to make even your most doubting relatives and neighbors envious.

We'll also talk staking, proper garden siting, mulching, watering, disease and pest control, harvesting, the heirloom vs. hybrid debate, and seed saving.

Classes are held here at Love Apple Farm, where you can observe over 100 tomato plants growing.  Cynthia will take you through the garden and discuss her tips and tricks to help you grow better tomatoes.  You need not have experience growing tomatoes to get a lot out of this class.

Cost:  $45 (advance registration is required)

To register and pay, click on the Paypal button below.

Choose a class date

August 23 2009 $45.00 Sept. 1, 2009 $45.00

Cynthia offers discounts for bringing a friend, as well as if you've taken prior classes.  Email Cynthia at loveapplefarm@gmail.com if you'd like to ask a question about how the discount process for buddies and returning students works.

Class: Jam Making

Irma Rombauer, the author of Joy of Cooking, wrote in her chapter on Canning:  "It is a thrill to possess shelves well stocked with home-canned food.  In fact, you will find their inspection - often surreptitious - and the pleasure of serving the fruits of your labor comparable only to a clear conscience or a very becoming hat."

Unfortunately, the Canning and Preserves chapters of current editions of Joy of Cooking have been removed in favor of more modern culinary techniques and interests.  I think that's a shame.  Gone are the neat line drawings of pressure cookers and Mason jars.  One can't ogle a diagram of how to skin a squirrel or find a recipe of how to cook an armadillo (I am not making that up).  These are definitely lost arts.

The art of jam making doesn't have to be lost on you, however.  Here at Love Apple Farm you can learn this fun and satisfying craft.  We will make at least four kinds of jam during the workshop, utilizing several different methods.  Students even get to take home jars of preserves.

Class size is strictly limited, so that it can be hands-on.  Do not delay in signing up, as this is a popular class and gets full fast.  Multiple class discounts and buddy discounts do not apply to this workshop, sorry.

July 18, 2009 (Saturday) 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

July class is now full, sorry! If you are interested in me adding another class date, let me know, at loveapplefarm@gmail.com

Tuition:  $65
Materials Fee: $30 

Class: How to Install a Simple Drip Irrigation System

As people come to the garden to look around, one of their most frequently asked questions is about the drip irrigation system I use.

When I first started out, there were many different configurations and types of equipment I used.  After installing and testing thousands of feet of line and hundreds of emitter heads, I found a system that works for any type of vegetable garden and for all seasons.  My system even works for raised beds and container gardens.

One of the great things about my type of irrigation is that it's simple.  Any one who has opposable thumbs and the ability to kneel can do it!

I show you how to install a system from the spigot out to the garden.  You do not need special, dedicated water pipes for this.  Bit by bit, fitting by fitting, we install the system as you watch and learn.  I even get you involved, hands on, to show that YOU CAN DO IT!

I reveal who my commercial-grade parts suppliers are, give you a detailed parts list, as well as discount coupons from one of my sources (available to my workshop students only).

Advance registration is required. Workshop will be held at Love Apple Farm, 9299 Glen Arbor Road, Ben Lomond, CA 95005.

Class dates:

June 14, 2009 (Sunday) 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

June class is now full!  New date added:

August 15, 2009 (Saturday) 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Tuition:  $45
Register and pay via Paypal:

I offer discounts if you bring a buddy or if you have taken any of my prior classes. Email me (Cynthia) at loveapplefarm@gmail.com to inquire how to receive the discount.

Class: Container Vegetable Gardening

Whether you want to grow tomatoes in hanging baskets, like I'm showing off above, or you want to utilize a small space, our Container Vegetable Gardening class is the workshop for you.  Learn all about how to successfully grow vegetables in containers.  It's harder than it looks!  From the proper potting soil to use, to a plethora of available container options, we also investigate space requirements, sunlight needs, the all-important fertilizing, and companion planting for maximum yield and results.

We will discuss warm weather-loving crops like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, melons, cucumbers, squashes, corn, and more.  This workshop is ideal for:
 - Renters who need to take their gardens with them when they move.
 - Those who have gopher problems.
 - Plots with poor soil or other disease issues. 
 - Apartment dwellers who don't have any ground to grow in.
 - Folks with large decks who would like to grow vegetables in pots rather than the standard landscape container plants.Students take home both plants and seeds of many types of vegetables, along with ideas and information on how to grow better veggies in containers! Scroll down below for a registration button.  This class is offered on two different dates: Tuesday, April 14, 2009, and Sunday, May 10, 2009.  UPDATE:  The April 14 class is now full, please register for May 10 if you're interested.

The class is held at Love Apple Farm in Ben Lomond, California.  Click here for farm directions and a map.

Available Dates: (Choose one)

April 14, 2009 (Tuesday) 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (FULL)
May 10, 2009 (Sunday) 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Tuition: $50

Choose a Class Date for Check-out

April 14 is full May 10, 2009

Photo credits: First photo of Cynthia and the hanging basket taken by Jamie Cole and originally published in Progressive Farmer Magazine. Second photo of the tiered garden boxes from Fraserside Community Services in British Columbia.  Third photo courtesy Darlene Marie. Last photos are from the website of one of our great local companies, Knox Garden Boxes.

2009 Roster of Gardening Classes Announced

I've started working on my 2009 roster of gardening classes, which you can find here.  I don't have all of the classes completely fleshed out yet with full descriptions, but I will very soon.  At least you can save the date.  Love Apple Farm also now has Gift Certificates, with which you can buy a class for a loved one.  Click here for that information.

New classes I've added include Early Spring Vegetable Gardening (starting next month!), Growing Peppers from Seed, Growing Herbs from Seed, Bee-Keeping, Jam-Making, Preserving your Summer Harvest, Garden Bed Design & Construction, and Edible Flowers.

These are in addition to my roster of tried and true classes: Growing Tomatoes from Seed, Summer Vegetable Gardening, Container Veggie Gardening, Drip Irrigation, Backyard Chicken Keeping, Tomato Cage-Making, Winter Vegetable Gardening, and my formidable Tomato Masters workshop.

Class: Garden Bed Design & Construction

This is a vegetable garden landscape design and construction workshop.  Learn where and how to site your vegetable beds for maximum effectiveness (considerations of climate, season, and sun exposure are all discussed).  You will discover numerous approaches to bed design: from hay bales to lumber to cinderblocks.  Learn basic carpentry skills as we construct a bed during class.  See how we do it! 

Also receive valuable information on how and what to fill your newly constructed beds with.  Not all soil is alike!  We've got supplier recommendations for you that will save you money and give you maximum results due to superior soil fertility. 

Topics also covered in class:

Starting out: Learn how to install a vegetable garden on any surface, from an existing lawn to concrete.

Bed sizes: Proper sizing is important, from their height to their width.  You want maximum workability and comfort to you, the gardener.

Paths: Considerations of path materials, cost, and efficiency.

Holding in your soil:  From various types of lumber, to many other hardscape materials, learn what you can do and how to save money doing it.

Filling your new beds: Top soil blends vary in vitality and useability.  Learn how to get a deal and the best start for your new plants.

Available Dates: (Choose one)

March 31, 2009 (Tuesday) 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
May 16, 2009 (Saturday) 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Tuition: $50

Choose a class date for check-out:

March 31, 2009 $50.00 May 16, 2009 $50.00

Class: Compost and Vermiculture (Worms!)

Using your own home-made compost is the single best thing you can do to increase your garden's fertility, ward off pests, and keep diseases at a minimum.  Worm castings have also been shown to be a similarly powerful tool.  Great gardeners will have both an active compost bin and worm bin up and running at all times.  They know the benefits to their garden are enormous.  Using your own compost and worm castings will also drastically cut down on the amount of soil amendments, fertilizers, insecticides and fungicides that an organic gardener usually needs to purchase to maintain their vegetable plot.

Come to Love Apple Farm and learn what these benefits are, how to properly build a compost pile (we build one ourselves during class), learn how to harvest it and use it on your garden. 

The second half of the workshop is devoted to vermiculture: how to start, maintain, and use to full benefit a proper worm bin.  See how we feed our worms, harvest the castings, and even make a fabulous worm tea for use as a supplemental fertilizer.  You get to take home a worm bin, complete with starter worms.

Class date: April 7, 2009 (Tuesday) 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Tuition:  $20
Materials Fee: $25
Register and pay via Paypal:

Class: Summer Vegetable Gardening

All day, intensive seminar on starting and tending a summer vegetable garden.  Participants sow and take home two full flats of summer vegetables (a $52 value).  Topics covered: bed preparation, fertilizing, amending, proper sow and transplant dates for specific crops, discussion of over 20 different warm-weather veggies to grow, warmth, light, and climate needs, companion planting, pest and disease control, on-line preferred discount vendors of gardening supplies and seeds.

Farmer Cynthia Sandberg takes you out into her garden and shows you how.  See the pests in person, the composting techniques, bed preparation - hands on and up close.

This workshop is a great basis for either someone new to gardening, or someone who just wants to ramp up their yield and over-all garden vitality.

Consider giving this class as a gift to a friend or family member.  Gift certificates are available for all classes.

Available class dates (choose one):

March 17, 2009 (Tuesday) 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
March 29, 2009 (Sunday) 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
April 4, 2009 (Saturday) 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
May 2, 2009 (Saturday) 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
May 19, 2009 (Tuesday) 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Tuition: $75
Materials Fee: $20

Choose a Class Date To Register

March 17, 2009 March 29, 2009 April 4, 2009 May 2, 2009 May 19, 2009

Class: Growing Herbs from Seed

This class will teach you the basics of growing your own herbs from seed. You take home both live plants and a sown flat of herb seeds to tend.   Learn the soil, light, warmth, fertilizing, and climate requirements for the basic culinary herbs: basil, chives, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, tarragon, thyme, parsley and cilantro.

This class is scheduled in the afternoon of two of our Growing Tomatoes from Seed workshops.  You may take both the herb and tomato class for a total discount of 10%.

This herb class is scheduled for early February, as that is the right time to start herbs from seed.

Available Class Dates:

February 8, 2009 (Sunday) 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
February 10, 2009 (Tuesday) 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuition: $30
Materials Fee: $20

Choose a Date to Register for Herb Class:

February 8, 2009 February 10, 2009 Option 3

Choose a Date To Register for Both Herb and Tomato Classes:

February 8, 2009 February 10, 2009

A more in-depth class on a wider range of freakier culinary herbs will be held on April 25, 2009.  That class is called "The Proper Cook's Herb Garden."

To view all of Love Apple Farm's classes, from gardening to bee-keeping, click here.

Give a gift of health, nature, and self-sufficiency by buying someone a gift certificate for a class.  Email us to do so: loveapplefarm@gmail.com

Class: Grow your own Pepper Transplants from Seed

Learn how to grow your own pepper transplants. Sow and take home a flat of up to 48 different  types of peppers.  Not many of you will want that many varieties, but at least you can if you want to!  Choose from our seed bank of over 50 kinds of peppers, all of which can be found on this link, along with pictures and descriptions.

This class is for the true pepper-phile.  And if you're not already, you should be!  Peppers, with their anti-oxidant capsaicin, have been found to provide numerous health benefits.  Oh, and of course, we love to cook with peppers!  Sweet, mildly hot, or braggin' rights over who can eat the hottest, there is a fabulous culinary purpose for them all.  I mean, just check out how many pepper recipes there are out there!

Peppers can be difficult to start from seed, but this class teaches you everything you need to know.  It is also scheduled in late January, as peppers take quite a long time to get going before you can plant them out in your garden in April or May.

I have also scheduled a Grow Your Own Tomato Transplants from Seed class the same day (earlier in the morning), so that if you are so inclined, you can attend both classes and receive a 10% discount on the tuition.

There is only one class date available:

January 31, 2009 (Saturday) 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tuition: $30
Materials Fee: $20

To register for both the tomato and pepper classes, use this button for a 10% discount:

If you'd like to ask a question about the class, contact Cynthia at loveapplefarm@gmail.com

Check out other classes at Love Apple Farm by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of Greg Silva

Class: Early Spring Vegetable Gardening

Take advantage of our mild California Bay Area climate to get your vegetable gardening up and productive for the season.  Why wait for summer to start harvesting your own healthy and organic produce? 

This class will teach you what's possible to grow and harvest in early spring.  You will be able to plant and sow in February and March, then start to pick your bounty in April.  Learn techniques that will let you seamlessly integrate your early spring vegetable garden into your summer plantings of warm weather lovers.

We will discuss various lettuces, spinaches, chard, bok choy, tatsoi, carrots, turnips, radishes, snow and shelling peas, mustard, mizuna, cress, kale, and sweet peas.  We will have plants and seeds of all of these for you to take home (plant and seed value: $45). 

In addition to the culture requirements of each of the vegetables the topics covered in class will include: bed preparation, heat and light requirements, frost control, germination tricks, companion planting, organic pest control, fertilizing, and harvesting techniques.  Observe all of these vegetables already growing and thriving here at Love Apple Farm.

Available class dates:

January 25, 2009 (Sunday) 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
February 14, 2009 (Saturday) 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
February 17, 2009 (Tuesday) 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Tuition: $55
Materials Fee: $20

Choose a Class Date for Check-out

January 25, 2009 February 14, 2009 February 17, 2009

To ask a question about a class, please email Cynthia at loveapplefarm@gmail.com

New Fall Gardening Classes Added

I've added new class dates for:

Tomato Masters
Winter Vegetable Gardening
Installing a Garden Drip Irrigation System
Backyard Chicken Keeping

I've also added brand new classes:

Container Gardening: Winter Veggies
One-Pot Herb Garden

Click on my Classes and Events page for more information.

Class: Winter Vegetable Gardening - Another Date Added!

Due to popular demand, I am adding another two more dates for my Winter Vegetable Gardening class.  It will be Sunday, September 7, 2008. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Update!  Two MORE class dates added:

Tuesday, September 23, and

Saturday, October 4.

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. both dates.

The September 7 and the September 13 classes are FULL.

Learn how to start and tend a winter vegetable garden. Growing a garden in winter is possible with our mild California climate. Winter gardens are not just limited to greens and cabbage. We will discuss over 20 different kinds of winter vegetables, and sow a flat to take home to tend and transplant.

Learn how to battle the cold temps, bed preparation, winter pest and disease issues, as well as the critical sow dates for winter crops. This class is held in late summer, as that is the proper time to start a winter vegetable garden from seed.

Tuition: $45

Materials Fee: $20

The class is held at Love Apple Farm, 9299 Glen Arbor Road, Ben Lomond, CA.  It's about a 45 minute drive from San Jose.  Students have come from all over the Bay Area, as well as the central valley. 

To register for any class or to ask a question about a class, email Cynthia at loveapplefarm@gmail.com

Due to popular demand, I am adding another two more dates for my Winter Vegetable Gardening class.  It will be Sunday, September 7, 2008. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Update!  Two MORE class dates added:

Tuesday, September 23, and

Saturday, October 4.

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. both dates.

The September 7 and the September 13 classes are FULL.

Learn how to start and tend a winter vegetable garden. Growing a garden in winter is possible with our mild California climate. Winter gardens are not just limited to greens and cabbage. We will discuss over 20 different kinds of winter vegetables, and sow a flat to take home to tend and transplant.

Class: Winter Vegetable Gardening

2009 CLASS DATES NOW SCHEDULED:

Learn how to start and tend a winter vegetable garden.  Growing a garden in winter is possible with our mild California climate.  Winter gardens are not just limited to greens and cabbage.  We will discuss over 20 different kinds of winter vegetables, and sow a flat to take home to tend and transplant.

Learn how to battle the cold temps, bed preparation, winter pest and disease issues, as well as the critical sow dates for winter crops.  This class is held in late summer and early fall, as that is the proper time to start a winter vegetable garden from seed.

Date: August 18, 2009 (Tuesday)(9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) or:

Date: August 30, 2009 (Sunday)(9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) or:

Date: September 12, 2009 (Saturday)(9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) or:

Date: September 27, 2009 (Sunday)(9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Choose one of the dates above.

Tuition: $55
Materials Fee: $20

To register for this class, do so through the "Pay Now" button below.  To ask a question about a class, email Cynthia at loveapplefarm@gmail.com

Choose a Class Date To Register

August 18, 2009 August 30, 2009 September 12, 2009 September 27, 2009

Class Participants Say:

"Loved it! Think you are fabulous! Looking forward to our 'day long' class!" by Julie on 9/24/07

"Cynthia, I am an experienced gardener and I enjoyed your class immensely.  Other people who know you also appreciate and praise your work and your sharing!  You put a lot of thought into preparing for classes. Thank you for all the materials, suppliers, new veggies, tips!  You are doing a terrific job with the farm and you are an inspiration to me." by Inani on 9/25/07

"Great class! I came away with some great plans for my garden.  Your style is great!  You don't intimidate us and we feel free to ask questions." by Rick on 9/25/07

"I really felt that you had great information on winter gardening.  I feel so inspired."  by Carolyn Lee on 9/25/07

"I thought the class was great. This is now my second class I have taken with you (tomato seed class).  The class moved along in a timely fashion, was interesting throughout and filled with tons of valuable information.  I will definitely continue on with your classes.  Thanks for offering them!" by Cherie 9/25/07

Class: Backyard Chicken Keeping

2009 CLASS DATE NOW SCHEDULED: Even city dwellers can keep a few laying hens in their yards. Participants will take home three live chicks – after learning how to care for them. Class participants also receive a brooder starter kit containing heat lamp system, feeder, waterer, and chick feed are included in total fee.

Class: Grow the Biggest Tomatoes

Date: March 1, 2008 (Saturday)(11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)

Want to grow a record-breaking tomato? Want to impress your family and friends with gigantic tomatoes? Well, this is the class for you.

Class: Grow the Earliest Tomatoes

Date: February 2, 2008 (Saturday)(11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)

Tired of waiting until late summer to get your first home-grown tomatoes? If you know how, it’s possible to harvest vine-ripened tomatoes as early as June.

Class: Grow your own Tomato Transplants from Seed

Learn how to sow and care for young tomato seedlings. Participants choose from over 125 varieties of heirloom tomatoes from my seed bank, sow them in seed flats and soil (supplied), while receiving direction and instruction on proper soil to use, heirloom variety selection for your individual growing conditions, germination conditions, care after seedlings emerge, proper transplanting techniques, and more.