UNITY – The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association will hold a short course for novice vegetable growers who are considering producing organic crops for sale. The two-part course will take place March 5 and 12 at the Common Ground Education Center in Unity. MOFGA’s technical services director Eric Sideman and certified organic farmers will be the principal presenters.

The course will begin with a discussion of soil science and include some basic technical information about soil chemistry and how to meet crop nutrition with organic materials. On-farm compost production and the use of cover crops will be covered extensively. The second day will include a discussion of organic methods of weed, pest and disease control. On both days, experienced organic farmers will present the details of production of some popular commercial crops. Call Eric Sideman with questions at 946-4402. Preregistration is required.