Week-end Workshops | The Garden

Upcoming Workshops:

March 6 - 9, 2026:

Cultivating Hope Through the Lens

of Regenerative Agriculture

A Workshop for Teachers

and Growers

March 21 - 22, 2026:

Citrus & Avocados in Canada!

Pushing the limits with

Sustainable and Regenerative Systems

Workshops at The Garden offer participants a unique opportunity to learn about a wide range of techniques used in sustainable and regenerative food production. Jane Squier shares key knowledge acquired as a grower for over 40 years; in Alberta's foothills (Zone 3B), tropical Papua New Guinea, and the coastal Mediterranean climate of British Columbia. The Garden integrates different technologies to create low-input, energy efficient and regenerative growing environments. The participants will learn practical and cost effective approaches to apply in their own projects through a series of presentations and hands-on activities.

See testimonial from 'Take Action Global - Climate Action Schools.'

Topics include:

Extending the growing season: Learn techniques for growing sub-tropical fruit in Canada with minimal inputs.
Creating protected environments: Key considerations for building and maintaining greenhouses and other plant-friendly spaces.
Maximizing your resources: Explore cost-effective options for venting, heating, glazing, and nutrient management.
Building healthy soil: The 6 principles of regenerative agriculture for restoring and maintaining vibrant soil and plant health.
Tracking your progress: Simple methods to assess soil and plant health, from microscopy to worm counts.
Cycling nutrients on-farm: Practical methods for creating composts, teas, and extracts using Johnson-Su bioreactors, anaerobic digestion, and vermicomposting.
Harvesting water: Effective systems for rainwater catchment and filtration.
Enjoying the bounty: Sharing ideas for canning, dehydration, and inspired cuisine using your home-grown fruit.

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of what it takes to create a healthy and manageable growing environment with a useful list of resources to continue to develop knowledge, skills and appropriate plans.

Weekend workshops take place at The Garden on Salt Spring Island. Lunches and snacks are provided as well as dinner Saturday evening. Workshop attendance is limited to provide a productive learning environment.

March 6 - 9, 2026