What can MGs Learn from Terp Farm?

Location
Terp Farm
2005 Largo Rd.
Upper Marlboro (Prince George's County)

Schedule
8:30-9:00am: Attendee arrive and sign in, light refreshments in the conference room
9:00-9:30am: Introductions of the class
9:30-12:00pm: Tour led by Guy Kilpatric; Jon Traunfeld will be on hand for additional IPM pointers

Prerequisites
Intern or Certified Status as a Master Gardener

This class will count as 3 hours of continuing education and also towards the Advanced Vegetable Gardening certificate.

Refund Policy
No refunds will be awarded after September 30th

Class Description

Master Gardeners love to learn, and a guided tour of the University of Maryland’s Terp Farm is a unique experience that will provide a wealth of knowledge that can be shared with vegetable gardeners.

Join us as we take advantage of this hands-on learning center and acquire new knowledge and skills from Guy Kilpatric, the Lead Agriculture Technician for Terp Farm. Guy is responsible for running this sustainable farming operation, which is engaged in four-season vegetable production – no easy feat! But Guy is a master at his craft, and his harvest enables the UMD’s Green Dining Program to distribute produce to the South Campus Dining Hall, The Diner, 251 North, as well as the Green Tidings mobile food truck.

Farmer Guy has generously agreed to lead a tour of Terp Farm and share tips and tricks with Master Gardeners. This will be a semi-informal Q&A session that covers various techniques of small scale farming that can aptly apply to backyard gardens. Time permitting, topics may include: seed starting, transplants, improving the soil, unique methods to plant and support crops, protective measures (e.g., high tunnels), dealing with weeds, good ag practices certification requirements, organic certification policies and processes, and pest management. Jon Traunfeld will also be on hand to lead a diagnostic walk/search for plant and pest problems and a discussion of possible solutions.

Remember to Bring

MG name badge
Water (light refreshments will be provided)
Clothing appropriate for the weather and outdoor activity

Instructors

Mr. Guy Kilpatric, Lead Agriculture Technician, University of Maryland, Terp Farm, earned his Certificate in Ecological Horticulture at the University of California -- Santa Cruz. He has many years of experience working on organic fruit and vegetable farms, and has a great passion and skill for agricultural sustainability.

Mr. Jon Traunfeld is an Extension Specialist in Vegetables and Fruits with University of Maryland Extension. He serves as Director of Home and Garden Information Center and State Coordinator for the Maryland Master Gardener program. He helps lead the Grow It Eat It Program that teaches and advises backyard, community, and school food gardeners.