Classes & Seminars
Free seminars and classes, offered by Alaskan experts on a wide variety of fascinating topics are going on all weekend at the Alaska Farm & Garden Show. Seating is limited –so come early!
Saturday February 1
11:00
GROWING RHODIOLA
presented by Dr. Petra Illig, Alaska Rhodiola
Rhodiola Rosea root has been used for thousands of years by northern people to improve mental focus and enhance physical stamina. At this seminar presented by Alaska Rhodiola, you will learn about its benefits and the basics of cultivating Rhodiola Rosea in Alaska!
11:00
HYDROPONIC GARDENING
Presented by Career Tech High School FFA
Future Farmers of America is a youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural, food, and natural resource education. This seminar, presented by Career Tech High School FFA students will discuss hydroponics and all they have learned about and experienced with hydroponic gardening.
12:00
RAISING CHICKS
presented by Don, Polaris Hatchery
Temperature, space, sanitization, safety, food, water, and more –all are important considerations if you plan on raising chickens. Polaris Hatchery will teach you everything you need to know about the do’s and don’ts of raising happy, healthy birds.
12:00
VIDEO ON GROWING RHODIOLA
presented by Dr. Petra Illig, Alaska Rhodiola
Rhodiola Rosea root has been used for thousands of years by northern people to improve mental focus and enhance physical stamina. This film, presented by Alaska Rhodiola, explores the basics of cultivating Rhodiola Rosea in Alaska!
1:00
STARTING DAHLIAS
presented by Misty Vanderweele, All Dahlia’d Up
Nothing adds beauty and color to your slice of our Alaskan paradise like blooming dahlias. Learn all about starting dahlias from Misty Vanderweele, the local dahlia expert from All Dahlia’d Up and Palmer’s Vanderweele Farms.
1:00
RAISING AND PROCESSING MEAT BIRDS
presented by Don, Polaris Hatchery
Temperature, space, sanitization, safety, food, water, and more –all are important considerations if you plan on raising poultry for food. Polaris Hatchery will teach you everything you need to know about the do’s and don’ts of raising and processing meat birds.
2:00
MICROHOMESTEADING
presented by Chris Johnson, Sage Mountain Farms
Learn about micro homesteading: a small-scale sustainable lifestyle to create self sufficiency. We will focus on raising livestock in Alaska on the micro homestead, including cows, goats, and chickens. We will discuss the cost benefit ratio and things to be aware of when starting this venture!
2:00
STOP THE BLEED!
presented by Bodey Turner, Northern Lights Armory
This seminar, presented by Northern Lights Armory, provides a demonstration of the tools and how to respond effectively to life-threatening severe bleeding. It includes proper tourniquet use and empowers bystanders with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist someone in need. Click here for the complete seminar description.
3:00
FLOUR MILLING & GRAINS
presented by Margaret Lowe, Wholy Living
Learn all the advantages of milling your own flour, bursting with nutrition and flavor! This seminar, presented by Wholy Living, dives into various grains groups, discuss sprouted grains, and gluten free alternatives. Taste the difference. Learn how to transform one batch of bread dough into 3 loaves, a dozen dinner rolls, and two pizza crusts with approximately $10 worth of basic ingredients from start to finish in 2 hours time. You will be astonished how easily you can create nutrient dense foods by just milling your own flour!
3:00
FROM TUNDRA TO TABLE: The Art & Science of Alaskan Sourdough
presented by Maureen Petru
Join Maurine for a fascinating journey into Alaska’s sourdough heritage, where science meets tradition in your own kitchen. This interactive workshop goes beyond basic bread-making to explore the unique character of sourdough in Alaska, from Gold Rush history to modern-day innovations. Click here for the complete seminar description.
4:00
SUSTAINABLE BEEKEEPING IN ALASKA
presented by Tim Huffman
Tim Huffman is teaching sustainable beekeeping to whoever will listen. Tim is a believer in bees, and he has the only Alaska based YouTube Channel, called Anchorage Backyard Beekeeping. Tim is passionate and ardent about getting the word out about bees and their resiliency. At this seminar you will learn about raising happy, healthy bees, and how you can help them thrive through the winter with just a few Alaska environmental adjustments.
4:00
GROWING FRUIT TREES IN ALASKA
presented by Dan Moore, Fire Apple Orchards
Fire Apple Orchards was started in 2000 to provide an opportunity for the Moore family and the public to harvest fresh fruit in Alaska. They grow apples, cherries, plums, pears, and a variety of berries. They also supply hardy fruit trees and bushes to their customers and share their knowledge with others to enable them to plant fruit trees and harvest their own fruit. At this seminar, you will learn all about growing, grafting, and nurturing fresh fruit in Alaska!
5:00
BASICS OF SOLAR
presented by Casey Compton, The AK Solar Guy
Whether you are on grid, or off grid, it’s always nice to be able to plug in to a little electricity from time to time. At this seminar taught by Casey Compton of The AK Solar Guy, you will learn everything you need to know about living with solar, and how to begin your journey into becoming energy independent in Alaska!
Sunday February 2
12:00
GARDENING 101
presented by Cecil Ellsworth, Studio Orchards
This seminar is designed with the beginning AK vegetable gardener in mind. Basic soil fundamentals, soil testing, which vegetables to grow in Alaska, plant growing mediums, seed starting, lights, pests, and more! These are all important considerations when starting a garden. Learn inexpensive ways to improve your success and learn the benefits of planting a garden in the first place! You will also be entered into a raffle for a free block of Boreal Coir!
12:00
STOP THE BLEED!
presented by Bodey Turner, Northern Lights Armory
This seminar, presented by Northern Lights Armory, provides a demonstration of the tools and how to respond effectively to life-threatening severe bleeding. It includes proper tourniquet use and empowers bystanders with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist someone in need. Click here for the complete seminar description.
1:00
STARTING DAHLIAS
presented by Misty Vanderweele, All Dahlia’d Up
Nothing adds beauty and color to your slice of our Alaskan paradise like blooming dahlias. Learn all about starting dahlias from Misty Vanderweele, the local dahlia expert from All Dahlia’d Up and Palmer’s Vanderweele Farms.
1:00
YEAR ROUND GARDENING
presented by Cecil Ellsworth, Studio Orchards
Alaska’s outdoor gardening season is short! Learn about growing alternatives such as hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics, grow tents, and more! Learn about the proper seeds and growing media for different types of gardening, as well as pest control, proper hygiene, lights, climate control, and support resources to help you along your journey! You will also be entered into a raffle for a free block of Boreal Coir.
2:00
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA
Presented by Career Tech High School FFA
Learn all about the Alaska FFA Association! Future Farmers of America is a youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural, food, and natural resource education. Career Tech High School FFA students will present a summary of what FFA is and what they do. They will be discussing community service, projects, and more!
2:00
MICROHOMESTEADING
presented by Chris Johnson, Sage Mountain Farms
Learn about micro homesteading: a small-scale sustainable lifestyle to create self sufficiency. We will focus on raising livestock in Alaska on the micro homestead, including cows, goats, and chickens. We will discuss the cost benefit ratio and things to be aware of when starting this venture!
3:00
FROM TUNDRA TO TABLE: The Art & Science of Alaskan Sourdough
presented by Maurine Petru
Join Maurine for a fascinating journey into Alaska’s sourdough heritage, where science meets tradition in your own kitchen. This interactive workshop goes beyond basic bread-making to explore the unique character of sourdough in Alaska, from Gold Rush history to modern-day innovations. Click here for the complete seminar description.
3:00
BASICS OF SOLAR
presented by Casey Compton, The AK Solar Guy
Whether you are on grid, or off grid, it’s always nice to be able to plug in to a little electricity from time to time. At this seminar taught by Casey Compton of The AK Solar Guy, you will learn everything you need to know about living with solar, and how to begin your journey into becoming energy independent in Alaska!