FREE Soil, Mushrooms, and Fermenting Class Series
05/04/26 Topic: Our soil in crisis: 1939 to Present – What’s happened?
Presenter: Michael Carriger, Mike_Carriger@yahoo.com, 541-536-1046
This two-hour class explores soil architecture—the living structure of soil, composed of minerals, organic matter, air, water, and billions of microorganisms—and why it matters more than ever in Central Oregon. We will discuss past practices and present conditions, and introduce practical, regenerative approaches to rebuilding soil structure, restoring biology, and improving long-term soil health in our unique high-desert environment.
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
