Horticulture Programs
Our horticulture programs are a great way for participants of all abilities and experiences to learn about farming and the growing world around us. By engaging in hands-on planting, maintenance, and harvesting activities, participants in our horticulture programs experience emotional healing, improved cognitive skills and improved balance, coordination, strength and stamina. They are able to hone skills as they help grow thousands of pounds of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers each year, which are used in farm-to-table cooking classes and events and donated to food security programs throughout the Rochester area.
All of our horticulture programs are offered to veterans at no charge.
New to EquiCenter Farm?
Join us for an Intro to EquiCenter Day!
These 90 minute sessions include an overview of upcoming horticulture programs for veterans and a tour of our facilities. Offered to veterans and service providers FREE of charge.
Upcoming Intro to EquiCenter Day on
Thursday, May 18th
10:00AM - 11:30AM
*Last of the spring season*
In-Person Classes & Workshops
Veteran Farm + Wellness
Tuesdays, 10:00am-2:00pm
April 18 - September 26
Cost: Veterans only, no charge
Get your hands dirty in this full farm experience! Each week, you will learn as you work alongside our farm team to complete horticultural tasks that support our growing operations. Then, you will participate in a farm-to-table cooking class and community lunch. As a bonus, you will have the opportunity to harvest produce to take home with you!
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Garlic Harvest & Curing
Thursday, July 13
11am-1pm or 2pm-4pm
Cost: $20, FREE for veterans
Learn about one of the most prolific and long-storing crops on our farm! Garlic can be eaten fresh, but curing (or drying for storage) is enhances flavor and makes the harvest last long into the winter months. Get your hands dirty with our farmers as they guide you through harvesting and curing our garlic.
Container Gardening
Thursday, May 11
11am-1pm or 2pm-4pm
Cost: $20, FREE for veterans
Kick off the outdoor growing season by learning about and planting your own window box garden for home-grown abundance even without an in-ground growing space. Participants will be able to take their window box gardens home to enjoy all season long.
Food Preservation Series
Fridays, 2pm-4pm
7/21, 8/4, 8/18, 9/1, 9/15
Cost: $20 for 1 session;
$90 for the 5-part series
FREE for veterans
This workshop series includes an overview of farm food safety and a variety of preservation methods to help you eat fresh from the garden all year long. Participants will make preserves to take home.
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Flower Harvest & Arranging
Thursday, July 27
11am-1pm or 2pm-4pm
Cost: $20, FREE for veterans
Learn the ins and outs of proper harvesting and care techniques for cut flowers. A working florist will share pointers on creative floral design and arranging. You will also make and bring home your own mixed cut flower bouquet!
Virtual Courses
Foundations of Growing
6-Part Virtual Class
Self-paced, online course
Cost: $50, FREE for veterans
Learn the basics of growing food at home at your own pace! This 6-part virtual class is pre-recorded, so you can follow along at any point throughout the growing season. Lessons focus on the life cycle of a home garden space from planning and planting to harvesting and preservation, making it a resource you'll want to reference all year long.
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Questions? Contact Katie Nuber at knuber@equicenterny.org
or call the Farm Office at (585)404-1079 for more information.
Past Seasonal Classes
Winter Wellness