The Backyard Skills Series

Practical skills. Local knowledge. A deeper connection to the land.

Join us this fall at Montclair Community Farms for The Backyard Skills Series, a collection of hands-on evening workshops designed for adults who want to learn practical skills for their gardens, homes, and communities.

Led by local growers, educators, and experts, each workshop offers an approachable way to learn something new — whether you're preparing your garden for winter, curious about keeping bees, exploring herbalism, growing your own mushrooms, or creating a thriving native garden.

No prior experience is necessary. Come ready to learn, get your hands dirty, and connect with your community!

📅 September 10 – October 22, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Montclair Community Farms, 108 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ

Winterizing the Garden

September 10 | 6:00–7:30 PM | $25

Led by Lana

Learn how to put your garden to bed for the season and set yourself up for success next spring. We'll cover practical ways to prepare your beds, protect your soil and plants, and care for your garden as the colder months approach.

$25 per person

REGISTER

Beekeeping 101

September 17 | 6:00–7:30 PM | $25

Led by Lana

Curious about what it takes to keep bees? Get an introduction to honeybees, hives, and the basics of backyard beekeeping while learning more about the essential role pollinators play in our local ecosystems.

$25 per person

REGISTER

Herbalism

October 1 | 6:00–7:30 PM | $25

Led by Violet

Explore the world of medicinal herbs and discover ways plants can be incorporated into everyday wellness. This introductory workshop offers an approachable look at herbalism while building a deeper relationship with the plants growing around us.

$25 per person

REGISTER

Backyard Mushrooms

October 8 | 6:00–7:30 PM | $35

Led by Sergio

Learn how to grow mushrooms right in your own backyard! This hands-on workshop will introduce participants to outdoor mushroom cultivation and give you the knowledge you need to start growing at home.

You'll also take home your own mushroom-growing kit to continue the experience!

$35 per person — materials included

REGISTER

Native Garden

October 22 | 6:00–7:30 PM | $25

Led by Sulima

Discover how native plants can transform your backyard into a thriving habitat. Learn how to select and grow plants that support local pollinators and wildlife while creating a beautiful, resilient, and environmentally friendly garden.

$25 per person

REGISTER

Want to Join Us for the Whole Series?

You don't have to choose just one!

Register for all five Backyard Skills workshops for $100 and spend the fall learning, growing, and connecting with your community at the farm.

All 5 Workshops: $100