Bio-Intensive Garden Primer

Join us at the farm for a shallow dive into the world of BioIntensive Gardening Methods. Everyone is welcome as you do not need any biointensive growing experience or any specific interest in the method to appreciate and learn the techniques and fundamental principles. 

Our focus will be: 

• Bed Preparation - Using our existing garden bed, we will practice a technique called “Double Digging”, the principle way to prepare a biointensive bed. The overall goal is to loosen the soil to a depth of 24 inches below the surface and allow for improvement over time. Nature usually requires a period of 3,000 years or more to build the 6-inch layer of farmable soil needed to grow a good crop. With the biointensive method we can expedite the process and improve soil much more efficiently and rapidly.
   
• Seed starting - Moving into our greenhouse we will begin the seed sowing process by exploring the pros and cons of different seed starting techniques. As one example, the biointensive method uses wooden seedling boxes instead of plastic trays with individual cells. We will use the recommended medium, a mix of potting soil, compost, and soil taken directly from the garden bed, to start our seeds. 

We will most certainly explore other related topics but these two activities will be our main focus. Questions of all kinds are welcome

About the Instructor:

Born in York County, Andrew earned his Business Management degree from Shippensburg University. After graduation, Andrew traveled with World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) to New Zealand, where he lived and learned on organic farms. Captivated by his experience, Andrew wanted to continue his journey in small-scale agriculture and sought to find a place where he could apply, develop and learn new skills. He found the Horn Farm Center through an Introduction to Permaculture class.

Since successful completion of the Farming Internship, Andrew has pursued his  career in farming as the Farm Manager at the Horn Farm Center. He runs the Horn Farm Plant Sale & Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program, manages the Community Gardens, and guides participants through hands-on instruction in the Land Steward Training Program.

Health and Safety:

*For questions regarding cancellation, please visit our website.

*The Horn Farm Center is offering on-site educational programming with some modifications due to COVID-19. Multiple hand sanitizer stations are available. We will adjust as needed as time passes and things change. In order to ensure the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff, the Horn Farm Center is following current CDC Guidelines. Please contact us at info@hornfarmcenter.org for questions or concerns.

*Parking is along the field above the farmhouse.

*All programs are subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather. Participants will receive an email and phone call if there are any program changes or cancellations. Thank you for supporting regenerative farming and educational programs at the Horn Farm Center.