BUF Workshop Schedule 2026
As an educational market garden, we are committed to teaching and helping our neighbors to grow some food. We of course grow food, but mainly to demonstrate regenerative growing techniques and showcase species and varieties that do well in our climate and soils. Achieving local food security will take all of us, not just one urban farm.
Our workshops are tailored for beginners whether they are gardeners, beekeepers, herbalists or fruit growers. This year we have five workshops on the urban farm specifically for kids.
Because space is limited, most of the workshops require pre-registration.
Details of each workshop including cost and a link to register are provided after the schedule table.
Workshop Topics: A = ARK, B = Beekeeping, E=Social Event, F=Cut Flowers, G=Gardening, H=Medicinal Herbs, K=Kids workshop, O=Orchards and Fruit Trees, Fer=Fermentation Workshops
*MCEO = Madison County Extension Office, 230 Duncannon Lane, Richmond KY
Descriptions of 2026 BUF Workshops and Events
If you need further information, send questions to info@sustainableberea.org or call 859-985-1689.
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Many of these workshops are outdoors.
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Please dress for the weather and have footwear suited to rough and wet ground.
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A hat and sunscreen will give important protection.
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If you have an allergy to bee stings, please bring your own epi-pen or other medications.
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Dogs are not allowed on the farm.
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Children under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Saturday, Mar 21 11am – Noon Berea Public Library Intro to Raised Bed Gardening Olson
Saturday, Mar 21 2:30 – 3:30pm Berea Public Library Intro to Raised Bed Gardening Olson
Raised garden beds can extend growing seasons, increase yields, and fit well in urban settings. We will describe how to build a bed, where to locate it, best soil to use, and how to maximize yields through succession planting. We will explain how to purchase a bed through the Victory Garden Blitz and how to volunteer for the Blitz. There will be a drawing at each of the presentations for a free raised bed. Free. No registration required.
Mar 28 – Oct 10 (Every Saturday) 10 – 11am BUF Four Seasons Demo Garden Open House and Associated Workshops Hildebrand
Join us for informal conversations about gardening as we tour the demonstration garden. Bring your questions.
Saturday, March 28 How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms Berea Urban Farm Belland
Join us on the BUF as local homesteader and mushroom expert Sky Belland gives you a hands-on lesson in growing the ‘Po Hu’ oyster mushroom. Each participant will receive two logs which they will drill, inoculate with mushroom spawn, seal with wax, and then take home. Sky will explain the best conditions for placing your logs up and what sort of harvest you might expect. Register here
Thurs-Sat, Apr 9 – 11 Daily 9am – 4pm Berea Urban Farm 12th Annual Victory Garden Blitz
Join us as we build and install 120 raised garden beds in Berea and nearby areas. We need volunteers to build beds, bag soil, deliver and install beds, prepare food, and keep records. Help us increase local food security by helping our neighbors to grow food. You can learn more, donate or volunteer for the Blitz https://www.sustainableberea.org/berea-victory-garden-blitz
Saturday, May 2 1 – 3pm Growing Common Medicinal Herbs BUF Amorim
Learn about native habitats and growing conditions for specific herbs from community herbalist Joana Amorim of Sylvatica Forest Farm. Hands-on propagation methods by seed, cloning and root division, and a tour of the BUF medicinal herb beds. Cost of the workshop is $10. Register and pay here.
Saturday, May 9 1 – 3pm Introductory Beekeeping: Layens Hive BUF Olson
Not well known in the United States, the Layens hive is widely used in Europe. It is a horizontal hive (like the top bar) with much larger frames than the Langstroth. We think it offers some advantages over other types of hives, and have added several Layens hives to the BUF apiary this year. In this workshop, we will open a Layens hive and discuss its function. Please note: We will be working with bees. Protective gear will be provided, but you must wear long pants, socks and closed shoes. Do not wear lotions or perfumes. If you are allergic to bee stings, you must provide your own epi-pen or other medicines. The workshop requires good weather. We will contact you via email if the workshop must be postponed. - Space is limited. Cost of the workshop is $10. Register and pay here.
Saturday, May 23 5:30 – 8:00pm Sustainable Berea Spring Gathering Churchill’s
What to Expect:
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A lively silent and live auction along with raffles
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A complimentary dinner included with each ticket
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A chance to celebrate our Community Sustainability Award winners
All proceeds from the event will support the following programs:
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Victory Garden Blitz provides raised beds for gardening. This program is in its 12th year!
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The Farmacy Program will provide nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables to low-income adults managing chronic illnesses, supporting their health through better nutrition.
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Acts of Restorative Kindness (ARK) Program will enhance both food security and biodiversity. This initiative will support residents in allocating half of their yard space to organic food cultivation and the other half to natural habitats.
Tickets and more information at https://www.sustainableberea.org/springgathering
Saturday, June 20 10am – noon Preparing Electuaries BUF Amorim and Olson
An electuary combines bitter herbs with honey. We will spend the first part of the workshop getting to know the BUF bees, and then make an electuary for you to take home using BUF honey and BUF herbs. Space is limited. Cost of the workshop is $10. Register and pay here.
Saturday, July 18 10am – noon Mid-Summer Herb Care and Harvesting BUF Amorim and Olson
Learn about Herb garden maintenance, harvesting and drying practices for best results in long-term storage. Cost of the workshop is $10. Register and pay here.
Saturday, August 1 10am – noon Kids workshop: Celebration of Flowers BUF Dent
Join us for flower themed crafts, games, and conversation as we celebrate the Berea Urban Farm's diverse wealth of flowers! Come dressed representing your favorite flower and be ready to explore, create, and connect. Led by Heather Dent of Winterberry Studio. This workshop is free, but registration is required here.
Saturday, August 15 1 – 3pm Harvesting and Processing Medicinal Herbs BUF Amorim
Learn how to harvest herbs and how to make extracts using different methods to be used in product making. Here we can make some products like salves, tinctures and/or seasoning blends. Cost of the workshop is $10. Register and pay here.
Saturday, Oct 3 10am – noon Fermentation: Sauerkraut BUF Mudd
Learn the basics of vegetable fermentation and help to make a fresh sauerkraut. Each participant will take home a jar of kraut to finish the fermentation process at home. Cost is $20 and pre-registration is required. Register and pay here.
Saturday, Oct 3 1 – 3pm Fermentation: Sourdough Bread BUF Hart
Learn how to make sourdough bread by participating in making and baking a loaf. Participants will take home an active sourdough starter. Cost is $20 and pre-registration is required. Register and pay here.