1. Home
  2. Event
  3. Free Soil, Mushrooms, and Fermenting Class Series 05/11/26
La Pine Grange Soil Class Series
This class series connects past practices to present conditions and introduces practical, regenerative approaches to rebuilding soil structure, restoring biology, and improving long-term soil health in our unique high-desert environment.

FREE Soil, Mushrooms, and Fermenting Class Series

05/11/26: Our ancestors’ soil: Prior to 1939

Presenter: Michael Carriger
Email: Mike_Carriger@yahoo.com  Phone: 541-536-1046

Today’s Topic: 
How did our ancestors here in what is now the La Pine area survive without artificial fertilizers?  We’ll look at what they did on their farms to grow surplus crops that were sold in local grocery stores.

Grange Class Series And What To Expect

  • Learn practical tips to succeed in our unique climate.
  • Discover how to transform volcanic pumice into rich, productive soil.
  • Connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts and exchange ideas, tips, and inspiration..
  • There is no need to register for the gardening class series.
  • Join one class or attend them all—drop in when it works for you.
  • Bring a friend, your questions, and maybe a notepad to capture all the great advice.
  • Event Questions? Email us at events@lapinegrange.org

Seed Sharing: We offer free seeds when available. If you have extra seeds and would like to donate them to our community, please bring them to a class or drop them off during a donation day on Mondays from 12 – 2:00 p.m.

Series Class Dates: Mondays from 2 – 4:00 p.m. in May & June

Lecture Series: Soil Architecture:
05/04/26 ♦ Our soil in crisis: 1939 to Present – What’s happened?

05/11/26 ♦ Our ancestors’ soil: Prior to 1939

05/18/26 ♦ Easy Composting (with formulas) vs Fermentation (with formulas). Demonstration: Building a 5-gallon bucket fermentation tank.

05/25/26 ♦ Plants Discussion:
What grows in La Pine (you’ll be surprised)

♦ Plants that make good neighbors / bad neighbors


♦ Home-made fertilizers for soil & plants (with
formulas)

♦ Natural pesticides (with formulas) / Plants that repel
pests naturally

Lecture Series: Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest
06/01/26 ♦ What grows below?
06/08/26 ♦ So, what can I grow?

Lecture Series: Fermenting Herbs and Vegetables
06/15/26
♦ Why ferment?

06/22/26 ♦ Fermenting formulas
06/29/26 ♦ Recap of Lecture Series

Let’s grow together. We can’t wait to see you there!

♦ Recheck this page for last-minute updates! Visit our Events FAQs page. Or, Email events@lapinegrange.org.

More Upcoming Events