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Workshops & Experiences

Hands-on, seasonal gardening for South Florida.

MetM Homestead & Learning offers weekend-based workshops designed to be practical, interactive, and aligned with Florida growing seasons.

A flourishing raised garden bed with vegetables, herbs, and sunflowers at a South Florida community garden

Open Registration – Space Is Limited

Fall Kickoff Gardening Workshop

Saturday, October 24, 2026

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Register Now

Location

Boca Urban Gardens – Susan Whelchel Community Garden

1300 NW 8th Street, Boca Raton, Florida 33486

(Across from Boca Middle School in Meadows Park)

Cost

$15 per participant

Parents/guardians attending with registered minors are free.

Get Your Fall Garden Growing!

Fall is one of the best times to grow vegetables and herbs in South Florida. Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop designed to help participants get their fall gardens off to a healthy start.

What We’ll Cover:

  • What to plant during South Florida’s fall growing season
  • Building healthy soil and improving Florida’s sandy soil
  • Natural soil amendments and fertilizers
  • Plant spacing and garden planning
  • Hands-on soil preparation and planting

Participants will also plant a vegetable or herb seedling to take home and grow.

No gardening experience is necessary.

Advance registration is required.

Registration closes October 20th.

Register for the Workshop

Ways to get involved

Choose your garden experience.

Open Registration Workshops

Seasonal workshops available for individuals and families.

Fall Kickoff Gardening Workshop

Saturday, October 24 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Registration Now Open

Register Now

Private Group Workshops

Available for:

  • Homeschool Groups
  • Co-ops
  • Garden Clubs
  • Churches
  • Community Organizations
  • Shared Learning Spaces

What You'll Experience.

  • Outdoor learning environments
  • Small-group experiences
  • Hands-on participation
  • Practical skills
  • Materials provided

Workshop information.

Workshop pricing varies based on format, duration, group size, and location.

Customized pricing may be available for multi-session programs and partnership opportunities.

Popular Workshop Topics

Topics we love to explore together.

Healthy Soil = Healthy Harvests™

Discover how healthy soil supports productive gardens through composting, organic matter, and sustainable growing practices.

Seeds for the Future

Learn how pollinator-friendly gardens support biodiversity and help sustain our food systems.

Pollinator Gardening

Explore plants, insects, and gardening techniques that help create thriving pollinator habitats.

Seed Saving Basics

Learn simple techniques for collecting, storing, and preserving seeds for future growing seasons.

Fall Garden Kickoff

Prepare for Florida's prime growing season with planting tips, garden planning, and crop selection guidance.

Summer Garden Survivors

Discover heat-tolerant crops and strategies for gardening successfully during Florida's hottest months.

Growing Food in Small Spaces

Learn how to maximize productivity in raised beds, containers, patios, and small garden spaces.

Soil Health

Learn why healthy soil is the foundation of a productive garden. Explore the role of organic matter, soil structure, and natural growing practices that support strong plants and healthy harvests.

Composting Basics

Discover simple ways to turn everyday organic materials into nutrient-rich compost. Learn how compost supports soil health, reduces waste, and helps create a more sustainable garden.

Seasonal Planting

Gain confidence in selecting the right crops for the right season. Learn how Florida's growing seasons influence planting success and how to make the most of each gardening season.

Garden Planning

Whether you're growing in raised beds, containers, or a backyard garden, thoughtful planning can help maximize space, productivity, and enjoyment. Explore practical strategies for creating a successful garden layout.

Beneficial Insects

Not all insects are pests. Learn how pollinators and beneficial insects contribute to healthy gardens by supporting biodiversity, pollination, and natural pest management.

Join the Interest List

The Garden Interest List is for future workshops and seasonal programs. It is not registration for the October 24 workshop. Join to receive upcoming workshop details, locations, and priority registration access.

Workshops in action

Learning together in the garden.

Melanie leading a hands-on gardening workshop for a seated group
Community members gathered for a MetM garden workshop
Melanie demonstrating gardening techniques at a workshop table
Melanie harvesting ripe tomatoes from the garden

Kind words

What participants say.

"Gardening has always been a passion of Melanie's. Over the years I have gained such a deep understanding of gardening because of her workshops and by being a partner at the community garden. It is wonderful that she shares this passion and knowledge with others."
~ Marie D., Boca Raton, FL
"Melanie, I so enjoyed your workshop in the community garden. I learned a great deal and keep your handout for reference. Thank you for all you do to help make our garden a success."
~ Patrick M., Boca Raton, FL

"I had the pleasure of attending the seed germination and seed-saving demonstration hosted by MetM Homestead & Learning, and it was truly an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The presentation was well organized, easy to follow, and filled with practical information that gardeners of all experience levels can immediately put into practice.

I especially appreciated learning proper seed-starting techniques, ways to improve germination rates, and how to save seeds for future growing seasons. The workshop highlighted the importance of sustainability, self-sufficiency, and preserving plant varieties for future generations—topics that are more important today than ever before.

What made the experience especially memorable was the passion and enthusiasm of the presenters. They shared their knowledge in a way that was welcoming, engaging, and encouraging, while taking the time to answer questions and ensure everyone felt comfortable participating.

I left with valuable new skills, greater confidence in my gardening abilities, and a renewed appreciation for the entire growing process—from seed to harvest. It was inspiring to see how something as simple as saving seeds can help strengthen food security, reduce waste, and connect people more closely to nature.

I highly recommend MetM Homestead & Learning workshops to anyone interested in gardening, homesteading, seed saving, or sustainable living. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and helping others discover the joy and satisfaction of growing their own food. I look forward to attending future workshops."

~ Jules & Michelangelo, Boca Raton, FL

Questions

Workshop questions, answered.

Where are the workshops held?
Workshops are held outdoors at gardens and shared learning spaces across South Florida, including Boca Raton and the surrounding Palm Beach and Broward County communities. Private group workshops can also be held at your community garden, school, or organization's outdoor space.
Do I need any gardening experience to attend?
No. Workshops are designed for all experience levels, from complete beginners to longtime gardeners, and each session adapts to the people in the group.
How do I register for a workshop?
When an open-registration workshop is available, a registration link will appear on the Workshops page. Advance registration is required. Visitors can also join the Garden Interest List to hear about future workshops.
How much do workshops cost?
Pricing varies based on the topic, group size, format, and whether the workshop is a single session or part of a series. Pricing is shared upon inquiry, and customized rates are available for multi-session programs and partnerships.
What is included in a workshop?
Materials are provided so you can take part hands-on. You are welcome to bring closed-toe shoes, a sun hat, water, and clothes that can get dirty. Garden gloves are useful if you have them.
Can I pay online?
Yes. Registration and payment instructions for open-registration workshops are provided through the workshop registration form. Secure online payment is processed through Stripe.
Do you offer workshops for groups or organizations?
Yes. Private group workshops are one of the main offerings and are available for homeschool groups, co-ops, garden clubs, churches, community organizations, and shared learning spaces. Reach out through the contact page with your group details and you will receive available options.