Part of our store mission is to offer classes in all areas of urban homesteading. Please check this page for updates as we add classes to our calendar.

Payment is required for registration. Call 651-645-0818 to pay with a credit card or to make some other arrangement. We will also need a contact phone number and email where we can reach you in the event of a change in the schedule. Call 651-645-0818 or e-mail audrey@eggplantsupply with questions.

March 2012 Classes

Home Cheesemaking - Jodi Ohlsen Read
Sunday, March 4, 1:00-3:00 pm
Cost: $25, limit 15

This class will cover the basics of home cheese making, focusing on fresh cheese and including a demonstration of ricotta. Jodi produces artisan cheeses and does outstanding half-day cheese workshops at Shepherd's Way Farm in Nerstrand, MN. She taught our first cheese-making class in September 2010, and we are honored to have her make another trip to Egg|Plant.

Backyard Chicken Basics - Bob Lies
Sunday, March 11, 1:00-3:00 pm
Cost: $15, children with adult $5

Taught by Egg|Plant co-owner Bob Lies. Bob and Audrey have kept chickens in their St. Paul backyard for the last four years.  They started their chicken adventures raising chicks for the Student Organic Farm at the University of Minnesota, and have experienced both the joys and troubles of keeping chickens in the city.

This class will cover all aspects of backyard flock management in an urban setting: getting permits, choosing suitable varieties, raising chicks, coop and run requirements, feed and nutrition, common health issues, predators, cold-climate care, chickens in the garden, composting chicken waste, etc.  There will be plenty of time for questions, and hands-on time with live chickens (chickens permitting).

Intro to Beekeeping - Jacquelynn Goessling
Sunday, March 18, 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Cost: $20

Become one with the hive mind with this informational overview of beekeeping. This class will answer all of the questions you want answered: hive boxes and equipment; rules and regulations; seasonal care; lifecycle of the honey bee; breeds; apiary suppliers and more. This class will prepare you for the beekeeping class offered at the University of Minnesota.

Jacquelynn Goessling runs United Nectar, an urban apiary in its fourth year with 14 urban hives.

Backyard Chicken Basics - Bob Lies
Sunday, March 25, 1:00-3:00 pm
Cost: $15, children with adult $5

Taught by Egg|Plant co-owner Bob Lies. Bob and Audrey have kept chickens in their St. Paul backyard for the last four years.  They started their chicken adventures raising chicks for the Student Organic Farm at the University of Minnesota, and have experienced both the joys and troubles of keeping chickens in the city.

This class will cover all aspects of backyard flock management in an urban setting: getting permits, choosing suitable varieties, raising chicks, coop and run requirements, feed and nutrition, common health issues, predators, cold-climate care, chickens in the garden, composting chicken waste, etc.  There will be plenty of time for questions, and hands-on time with live hens (hens permitting).

February 2012 Classes

Backyard Chicken Basics - Bob Lies
Sunday, February 26, 1:00-3:00 pm
Cost: $15

Taught by Egg|Plant co-owner Bob Lies. Bob and Audrey have kept chickens in their St. Paul backyard for the last four years.  They started their chicken adventures raising chicks for the Student Organic Farm at the University of Minnesota, and have experienced both the joys and troubles of keeping chickens in the city.

This class will cover all aspects of backyard flock management in an urban setting: getting permits, choosing suitable varieties, raising chicks, coop and run requirements, feed and nutrition, common health issues, predators, cold-climate care, chickens in the garden, composting chicken waste, etc.  There will be plenty of time for questions, and hands-on time with live birds (birds permitting).

Tapping Your Backyard Maple
Sunday, February 19, 1-2 pm
Cost: $10, $5 children 12 and under, $20 per family

This one hour class will cover basics of backyard maple tapping and simple instructions on how to process sap at home to make your own maple syrup. The class includes a hands-on demonstration, placing a tap in the boulevard maple tree at the Egg|Plant store.

Seed Starting Basics- Courtney Tchida
Sunday, February 5, 1:00-2:30 pm
Cost: $15

It's time! Starting your own seeds allows you to pick varieties you love, grow many plants for less money, and brighten up late winter days with the promise of summer gardens. Learn about seed selection, seed starting soil mixes, flats and pots, lighting, temperature and fertilizers for optimum growth.

Courtney Tchida is currently the Student Program Coordinator for the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Minnesota where she coordinates the graduate and undergraduate minors in sustainable agriculture and the Cornercopia Student Organic Farm. She is a member of the Teacher's Guild of the Permaculture Research Institute - Cold Climate.

January 2012 Classes

Backyard Chicken Basics - Bob Lies
Sunday, January 29, 1:00-3:00 pm
Cost: $15

Taught by Egg|Plant co-owner Bob Lies. Bob and Audrey have kept chickens in their St. Paul backyard for the last four years.  They started their chicken adventures raising chicks for the Student Organic Farm at the University of Minnesota, and have experienced both the joys and troubles of keeping chickens in the city.

This class will cover all aspects of backyard flock management in an urban setting: getting permits, choosing suitable varieties, raising chicks, coop and run requirements, feed and nutrition, common health issues, predators, cold-climate care, chickens in the garden, composting chicken waste, etc.  There will be plenty of time for questions, and hands-on time with live birds (birds permitting).

Worm Composting - Neil Cunningham
Sunday, January 22, 1:00-3:00 pm
Cost: $15 Class only, $45 Class and Worm Bin

This workshop is for beginners, compost enthusiasts, and those wanting to learn more about the ins and outs of worm composting. The cost is $15 for the workshop and $45 if you are interested in leaving the workshop with a fully functional worm bin using the system demonstrated during the workshop.

Neil Cunningham is a writer, working entomologist, urban naturalist, environmental educator, and one of a growing unknown number of advocate/practitioners of the emerging field of urban agriculture.

2011 Classes

2010 Classes

For a listing of classes held last year at Egg|Plant, click the heading above.