2026 Fruit Tree Workshops
All classes are science-based instruction focusing on sustainable methods. $25/class when registered in advance, $30 at the door, except for the Bench Grafting Class ($30 in advance, $35 at the door).
Space in some classes is limited.
Instructor is Dan Vorhis, B.S. Ag from The Ohio State University and owner of Muscle and Arm Farm in Freeland. Dan has 45 years of experience in fruit horticulture.
January 24, 2026: Fruit Tree Selection and Care 10 AM – 12:30 PM
The introductory class on which the other classes build. Addresses cultivar selection, rootstocks, plant needs, diseases and pests, fertilizing, and other important foundations of fruit horticulture.
February 28, 2026: Fruit Tree and Vine Pruning 10 AM – 1 PM
Classroom portion addresses the science of pruning; field lab is hands-on in the orchard. Unless it is pouring down rain, we'll have the lab regardless of weather (which is usually cold and damp), so dress for it.
March 14, 2026: Hardwood Grafting 10 AM – 12 PM
Addresses the science of grafting, followed by a hands-on bench grafting lab (apple). Everyone goes home with their grafted tree. Bring your grafting knife if you have one. We provide the rootstock, scion wood, and necessary tools and materials. Class cost - $30 advance payment, $35 at door. Class size is limited.
April 25, 2026: Soil Science 10 AM – 12 PM
Soil is the basis for much of plant agriculture. Knowing your soil is a little bit like knowing how your engine works when you drive a car, or knowing a little about food science when you cook. Our focus in this class is to give you a basic understanding of key elements of soil science that bear directly on the health of your plants, and what you can do about it.
May 23, 2026: Maritime Figs 10 AM – 12 PM
Grow Fresh Figs Outdoors in Maritime Washington
Fresh figs are delicious, and beneficial for your health. And fig trees produce very well on many sites on Whidbey Island.
However, online information and even nursery catalogs are not always accurate. We will give you the information you need to decide if your site can reliably grow figs, which cultivars we've cropped here, which ones we are still testing, and which to avoid. And we'll show you how to reliably propagate your own trees. The class is made up of a 1 hour slideshow class with questions, followed by an hour of hands-on propagation. You'll go home with your own, self-propagated tree.