Workshops & Special Events
Step off the beaten path and into the heart of nature with Farm Discovery’s Workshops! From hands-on baking, fermentation and crafting classes to bouquet harvesting and creative journaling, every event is a chance to learn, connect, and slow down on our organic family farm in Watsonville. Bring friends, bring curiosity — leave with new skills, fresh flavors, and memories rooted in the land.
Farm to Jar: Veggie Preservation Workshop
Join us for a hands-on experience that takes you from garden to pantry in one rewarding day. This workshop combines the satisfaction of harvest with the practical skills of food preservation, ensuring you can enjoy fresh flavors year-round.
Part 1: Harvest Experience We’ll begin by heading down to Live Earth Farm, where you’ll harvest vegetables at peak ripeness. You’ll gather a variety of seasonal produce that we’ll transform together in the kitchen.
Part 2: Kitchen Preservation Moving indoors, we’ll explore multiple preservation methods including water bath canning, quick pickling and lactobacillus fermentation. You’ll work with the vegetables you’ve just harvested, learning food safety principles, proper preparation methods, and storage best practices. Each participant will take home three jars of preserved goods along with recipes and confidence to continue preserving at home.
No prior experience necessary. All materials, jars, and equipment provided.
Fermented Drinks Workshop
Fermented Drinks Workshop: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Wellness
Join us for a hands-on exploration of traditional fermentation as we craft three probiotic-rich beverages: water kefir, kombucha, and beet kvass.
You’ll learn to make light, effervescent water kefir using living kefir grains, brew tangy kombucha with a SCOBY culture, and create earthy, mineral-rich beet kvass using simple salt fermentation. We’ll cover fermentation safety, troubleshooting, and culture maintenance throughout.
Each participant takes home starter cultures, detailed instructions, and samples to continue brewing at home. Perfect for beginners or those looking to expand their fermentation skills, this workshop will give you the confidence to create these ancient wellness drinks in your own kitchen.
Holiday Sweets Workshop
Celebrate the season with a cozy, family-friendly baking workshop set right on the farm where many of our ingredients are grown. Together we’ll explore the magic of holiday baking, from classic flavors to creative twists—with vegan-friendly options available for every recipe.
During this hands-on class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of baking as well as pro tips to help you feel confident in the kitchen. Our menu includes festive favorites like peppermint or pumpkin swiss rolls, holiday cookies, muffins, and a cookie-decorating station for a creative & colorful finish. With each recipe, you’ll practice essential techniques—from mixing and folding to rolling, baking, and decorating—while using farm-fresh ingredients that highlight the flavors of the season.
This workshop is a chance to bake, learn, and spend time together—whether you join with family, friends, or come on your own. You’ll take home the sweets you make along with recipe cards so you can recreate them in your own kitchen.
It’s a simple, hands-on way to enjoy the season and share holiday flavors at home.
Wreath Making Workshop
Relax and Recharge this Holiday season with this hands-on wreath making workshop at Farm Discovery at Live Earth Farm.
This workshop includes everything you need to create your own winter wreath: locally sourced greens, pods, fall foliage, tools, and instruction from Farm Discovery staff. There’s nothing more gratifying than learning a new skill and supporting a local organization. We are limiting this workshop to 15 people to allow ample creative space for all.
Come immerse yourself in nature, meet new friends, and decorate your home naturally!
We look forward to seeing you on our organic family farm in Watsonville, CA!
Past Workshops & Special Events
Fall Season Gardening Workshop
October 11, 2025, 10 am – October 11, 2025, 2 pm
Hey there, fellow gardeners! Ready to dive into what might just be the best gardening season on the California Central Coast? While the rest of the country is putting their gardens to bed, we’re just getting started with those perfect 50-70°F days and that wonderful rain.
What We’ll Cover
Getting Your Timing Right: The Central Coast has its own rhythm, and we’ll figure out when to plant what from September through December. You’ll learn how to keep harvests going strong well into spring.
Fall Vegetables: We’re talking crisp lettuce, sweet carrots, gorgeous kale, and herbs that’ll make your neighbors jealous. I’ll share which varieties absolutely love our fall weather and how to get them thriving.
Fruit Trees and Vines: Fall is actually prime time for planting fruit trees and grapevines on the coast. We’ll talk about the best varieties for our climate, proper planting techniques, and how to get them established before winter.
Cover Crops: Discover how these hardworking plants can transform your garden beds while you’re not using them. We’ll explore the regenerative benefits of cover crops – from fixing nitrogen and building soil structure to protecting bare soil from winter rains and erosion.
Soil Prep: After summer’s heat, it’s time for some garden bed TLC. We’ll cover bringing tired soil back to life and getting everything ready for winter rains.
Coastal Challenges: That salty air, sudden weather changes, and crazy microclimates from valley to coast – we’ll tackle it all so you can work with our unique conditions.
Who Should Come?
Whether you’re new to gardening or have been at it for years, this workshop is for you. Maybe you just moved here from somewhere with “real” seasons, or maybe you’ve lived here forever but want to make the most of our amazing fall growing season.
What You’ll Take Home
A personalized planting schedule, variety recommendations that thrive here, seedlings you started during the hands-on sessions, and the confidence to create a fall garden that takes full advantage of the Central Coast’s incredible growing conditions. Plus, you’ll have practical experience with seeding, transplanting, and cover crop techniques you can use right away in your own garden.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow garden enthusiasts and expand your gardening knowledge!
- Bring snacks or a lunch
- Water bottle
Sweet & Savory Focaccia Workshop
August 24, 2025, 10 am – August 24, 2025, 2 pm
Farm Discovery Barn | 172 Litchfield Ln, Watsonville, CA 95076
U-Pick Bouquets
August 24, 2025, 10 am – July 24, 2025, 2 pm
Farm Discovery Barn | 172 Litchfield Ln, Watsonville, CA 95076
Sauerkraut Fermentation Workshop
August 23, 2025, 10 am – August 23, 2025, 2 pm
Farm Discovery Barn | 172 Litchfield Ln, Watsonville, CA 95076
Nature Journal Workshop
March 22, 2025, 10 am – March 22, 2025, 12 pm
Farm Discovery Barn | 172 Litchfield Ln, Watsonville, CA 95076
This workshop invites you to explore the outdoors through drawing, writing, and observation. We will focus on sketching with pencil and watercolor and learning to incorporate writing in your own nature journaling practice. All materials and one polaroid photo provided.
Please bring comfortable outdoor clothes/shoes, hat, water bottle, and sunscreen. A portable chair/cushion is recommended.
Paint Your Pal
February 22, 2025, 10 am – February 22, 2025, 12 pm
Farm Discovery Barn | 172 Litchfield Ln, Watsonville, CA 95076
Join us on Sat Feb 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM for a fun-filled day of painting with your friends. Spend a fun morning with your BFF or partner while you paint portraits of each other with the backdrop of our farm! No experience necessary – just bring your enthusiasm and we’ll provide all the supplies you need. Let’s make some colorful memories together!
Galentine’s Day Celebration
Holiday Wreath Workshop
December 8, 2024, 12 pm – December 8, 2024, 2 pm
Farm Discovery Barn | 172 Litchfield Ln, Watsonville, CA 95076
****ADDITIONAL DATES BELOW****
Relax and Recharge this Holiday season with this hands-on wreath making workshop at Farm Discovery at Live Earth Farm.
This workshop includes everything you need to create your own winter wreath: locally sourced greens, pods, fall foliage, tools, and instruction from Farm Discovery staff. There’s nothing more gratifying than learning a new skill and supporting a local organization. We are limiting this workshop to 15 people to allow ample creative space for all.
Come immerse yourself in nature, meet new friends, and decorate your home naturally!
Apple-Palooza
November 16, 2024, 12 pm – November 16, 2024, 2 pm
172 Litchfield Lane, Watsonville, CA, 95076
Get your hands dirty and immerse yourself in the world of apples as we embark on an orchard adventure. Learn the age-old art of apple cider making using a traditional apple press, where you’ll crush and press apples to create your very own cider. During this time we’ll sample different varieties of apples we grow on the farm.
We will also take a tour of the farm, meet our farm animals, and harvest what is growing in our fields.
Pumpkin Bash
Flower U-Pick & Bouquet Arranging
Crafting Your Own Jam and Tea
May 11, 2024, 12 pm – May 11, 2024, 2 pm
Farm Discovery Barn | 172 Litchfield Ln, Watsonville, CA 95076
In this workshop, we’ll show you how to whip up your own delicious jams using farm-fresh strawberries. Learn about our tea garden and create your own tea blend. No fancy equipment or culinary expertise required – just bring your love for homemade goodies.Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned pro, our workshop is all about having fun. Bring your mom or a friend for an afternoon of simple delights. Materials and gift wrapping supplies will be provided.
**WORKSHOP FULL**
Holiday Party at Slice Project
Sip ‘n Shop at Ethos
Wreath Workshop
December 9, 2023, 12 pm – December 9, 2023, 2 pm
172 Litchfield Lane, Watsonville, CA, 95076
Relax and Recharge this Holiday season with this hands-on wreath making workshop at Farm Discovery at Live Earth Farm.
This workshop includes everything you need to create your own winter wreath: locally sourced greens, pods, fall foliage, tools, and instruction from Farm Discovery staff. There’s nothing more gratifying than learning a new skill and supporting a local organization. We are limiting this workshop to 15 people to allow ample creative space for all.
Come immerse yourself in nature, meet new friends, and decorate your home naturally!
We look forward to seeing you on our organic family farm in Watsonville, CA!
Sip ‘n Shop at Home/Work
Spooky Halloween Pie Workshop
October 28, 2023, 12 pm – October 28, 2023, 3 pm
172 Litchfield Lane, Watsonville, CA, 95076
Are you ready to conjure up some hauntingly delicious pies? Join us for an unforgettable culinary adventure where we’ll teach you the art of crafting pies that are as spooky as they are scrumptious.
Our expert bakers will guide you through every step, from creating spine-chilling pie crusts to conjuring up eerie fillings. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels.
Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume and embrace the spooky spirit! Bring your friends and family along for a ghoulishly good time. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, bake, and indulge in some devilishly tasty treats.
Wood Fired Pizza Making
September 9, 2023, 10 am – September 9, 2023, 1 pm
172 Litchfield Ln. Watsonville, CA, 95076
Join us in the kitchen first for a pizza dough workshop. After, enjoy a guided tour through our organic family farm; visit our chickens, play with our Pygmy goats and meet our cow, Bella. During the tour you will visit our education spaces like the Discovery Garden and learn about the importance of eating seasonally.
Then join us at our cob oven when it reaches 500°. We will make a seasonal pizza, while learning the techniques of cooking with fire and coals in our oven made of sand, straw and clay!
Enjoy the flavors of the season with a pizza picnic on the farm with friends and family!
We look forward to seeing you on our organic family farm!
Flower Crown Making
April 1, 2023, 11 am – April 1, 2023, 12 pm
172 Litchfield Ln. Watsonville, CA, 95076
Celebrate the start of spring by spending a morning surrounded by fresh flowers, learning a new craft, and leave with a beautiful cheerful flower crown. Afterwards we will enjoy a guided tour of our organic family farm, visiting the farm animals and harvesting some vegetables.
No experience is necessary, we’ll walk you through each step. This workshop is open to adults and children.
Saturday, June 29, 1pm-5pm – Vegan French Baking & Wine Pairing Class: Sweet and Savory Tarts & Galettes
June 29, 2019, 1 am – June 29, 2019, 5 am
Farm Discovery 172 Litchfield Lane Watsonville
June 29th 1-5pm at Farm Discovery at Live Earth Farm
Join Chef Ellie of Lavender Design + Cuisine at Farm Discovery for a delicious journey to Provence, France! In this delicious hands-on vegan baking class (dairy & egg-free, but not gluten/nut-free), you’ll make:
1. Strawberry Lavender Tart w/ Crushed Pistachios
2. Summer Vegetables Tart w/ Herbes de Provence
3. Plum Almond Orange Lavender Galette
4. Heirloom Cherry Tomato Galette w/ Basil-Lemon-Pistachio Pesto
5. Baby Greens, Fennel, Orange & Radish Salad with a delightful citrus-herb dressing composed of extra virgin olive oil, Meyer lemon, orange juice & rind and fresh herbs.
You’ll enjoy your artisanal culinary creations with McBride Sisters’ delicious wine, the Truvee Red Blend Central Coast 2013 and organic French dark roast coffee.
All students in this class will enjoy a delightful tour of the Farm Discovery at Live Earth’s beautiful organic garden before the start of the class. They’ll also enjoy purchasing fresh organic produce such as berries, summer veggies, herbs and flowers available for sale in the class.
Class fee is $175.00 and includes a bottle of the Truvee Red Blend Central Coast 2013 and a small bag of organic culinary lavender. Class runs for 4 hours and is limited to 10 students to ensure the most spectacular experience for all. Since, space is limited, early registration is highly encouraged.
Farm Yoga
May 4, 2019, 10 am – April 4, 2019, 12 pm
Farm Discovery 172 Litchfield Lane Watsonville
Join us on the farm to taste what spring has to offer for a tour & yoga class in May 4, 2019 10am-12:00pm. We will walk around the farm smelling the flowers, visiting hives and farm animals and harvesting delicious treats and fruit and vegetables to take home. Amber Battles will lead an outdoor class in a beautiful location on the farm.
A little about Amber;
Amber Battles is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance. Having completed 200 hours with Hot Yoga Aptos and an additional 100 hour advanced training with Hannah Muse working towards completing 500 hrs by spring 2019.
Amber believes yoga to be a sacred practice, a discipline that acts as a remembrance and an unraveling of our true nature that tends to get buried by our busy lives. It is the cultivating of awareness, presence and consciousness through pranayama, meditation and asana.
1.5 hours of yoga and 30 minute farm tour. $30 per person. Refreshments provided.
Al Ollero Pop-up Dinner & Clay Cookware Sale
March 17, 2019, 6 am – March 17, 2019, 8 am
Farm Discovery 172 Litchfield Lane Watsonville
March 22, 6:30-8:30pm at Farm Discovery at Live Earth Farm
Orion Langdon will be bringing his micaceous clay cookware from Northern New Mexico for a special sale & show! Kin & Kitchen will craft a seasonal meal using clay cookware and serve us a feast on the farm followed by the pottery sale.
Orion makes hand coiled cooking vessels and cups from clay harvested in the wild, generous mountains of his current home. Orion’s work is one of many iterations of the ever evolving, centuries old tradition of pottery making in New Mexico. Micaceous clay cooking pots are beautiful, durable, hold heat well and can be used in the oven or directly on the stove-top. Orion will be showing his work, answering questions about this clay body, serving food cooked in micaceous pots and making his wares available for sale.
3-hour event is $85.00 per person.
We are also looking for volunteers, who would like to participate in the event and help us with the logistics of putting it on (you can attend for free)!
Vegetable Fermentation Workshop
February 17, 2019, 10 am – February 17, 2019, 1 am
Farm Discovery 172 Litchfield Lane Watsonville
Sunday, February 17th
10:30am-1:30pm
at Live Earth Farm
Harvest, create, and taste spring bounty on our organic family farm in Watsonville, CA!
Jessica Tunis, practiced pickler, fermenter, teacher, and writer for the popular local food blog, will lead us in creating delicious concoctions with seasonal herbs and spices to bring out the flavors of our winter produce!
Learn to create your own delicious probiotic vegetable ferments from seasonal produce, grown right here on the farm. From brine fermented carrots to sauerkraut and beyond, all the basics of vegetable fermentation will be covered!
3-hour class is $85.00 per person.
We are also looking for volunteers, who would like to participate in the workshop and help us with the logistics of putting it on (you can attend for free)!
*You can register via Airbnb Experiences or Eventbright, whichever is easiest for you!
Monthly Farm Tour & Activity
January 10, 2019, 10 am – January 10, 2019, 1 am
172 Litchfield Lane. Watsonville, CA
Upcoming Dates
Sat. January 27th & Sun. 28th
Sat. February 23th & Sun. 24th
Sun. March 31th
Sat. April 27th & Sun. 28th
What We’ll Do
Blackberry & Dry-Farmed Tomato U-pick September 1st (Date Changed!)
September 1, 2018, 10 am – September 1, 2018, 12 pm
Live Earth Farm "Lower Barn" 1275 Green Valley Road
Join us for a Family-friendly U-pick put on by Live Earth farm! Farm Discovery will be serving cold drinks and cocktails as refreshments! All proceeds go to supporting educational programs held on the farm. After picking some of the season’s bounty sit back and enjoy being on the farm, playing in the hay-bale fort and sipping the sweetness of summer.
Pick berries for $5.00/lb and dry farmed tomatoes for $2.50/lb ($2/lb over 10lbs)
Berry Mimosas & Chevelas available for $7.00/ cocktail ($6.00 if you bring your own jar!)
For more info email: admin@farmdiscovery.org
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Please reach out to education@farmdiscovery.org or 831.728.2032 with any questions you have about upcoming or past programs. We are here to help!