Agro-Forestry Skills Inspired by the Forest

Agro-Forestry Skills Inspired by the Forest: Orchard Planning, Propagation, Planting, and Production

An intensive three day workshop looking at the development, maintenance and products of a successful orchard in the tropics. We will adapt what works in the forest to our agro-forestry projects.

Every good agro-forestry project begins with great design. We begin by designing the orchard layout; taking into account climate, landscape, water sources, intercropping and appropriate species, all while looking at the purpose and goals of your orchard. Students will learn all skills needed to create their own nursery: such as placement and infrastructure, sourcing plants and propagation; seeds, cuttings, air and ground layering and grafting. We will spend time in the Mastatal nursery working on different propagation techniques. Everyone will complete the workshop knowing how to graft and propagate their valuable species.

Students will learn how to plant out their orchards through hands-on planting demonstrations. We’ll discuss how to use temporary space between the newly planted trees for intercropping plants that will quickly come into production.

Working with a developing agroforest requires a good understanding of working with soil, microbes and nutrients. We will look at each in detail with a focus on biochar, compost and bio-mass management.

Pruning and thinning trees is important and we will gain direct experience working with these in the orchards at Mastatal.

An important part of orchard management is what to do with the products of your labor! We shall devote time to a practical discussion on what to do with the fruits, nuts, spices and lumber that your orchard will provide.

This class is ideal for anyone

• developing an organic, efficient orchard.

• hoping to utilize land for food production.

• wanting to strengthen and deepen their skills in orchard or forest management.

• planting the zones 3 and 4 orchards in their permaculture projects.

• desiring to hone in their propagation skills and techniques.

• seeking an overview of agroforestry practices that work fabulously in an orchard context.

instructor

Peter Kring will teach this course. Peter is a nurseryman and farmer who has 30 years experience in tropical agriculture. He has introduced many valuable species into cultivation in Costa Rica and maintains a collection of over 180 species of fruit trees. His farm, Finca la Isla, in Puerto Viejo is a successful family farm that includes a botanical garden and plant nursery. Peter is an advocate for farmers’ markets and is the president of the committee that manages the market in Puerto Viejo.

For more about Peter please see this great video about his project in Puerto Viejo, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbe1voXFuV8&app=desktop.  

course start and ARRIVAl dates

The class begins at 9 a.m. on May 12.  The night before the class begins, May 11, is included in the cost of the class.  

COURSE END AND DEPARTURE DATES

The last day of the class is May 14.  The night of May 14 is included in the cost of the class.  

COST

$300 USD
Includes all food, lodging and instruction.  

A $100 deposit will secure your spot in the course.  You can make your deposit with PayPal below or go to our Payment page for more information and options.  

We may have a partial scholarship available for this class.  Please inquire at [email protected].  

LANGUAGE

This class will be taught in English.  

ACCOMMODATIONS

All food and lodging is included in the cost of  the course.   Students will stay in the Ranch bunkhouse with options for upgrades.  We provide high quality mattresses, linens and blankets.  Please see our Accommodations page for more information.  

COURSE PAYMENT

Please see our  Payments page for more information about how to pay.  

CANCELLATION POLICY

Please see our cancellation policy here.

GETTING TO RANCHO MASTATAL

Please see our Directions page for detailed information on how to get to Rancho Mastatal.  

ENROLLMENT

To enroll in the class, please fill out our Online Registration Form.  

questions

For more information about this class and Rancho Mastatal please contact us at [email protected] , call us at +506 2200-0920 or text/WhatsApp us at +506 8539-1404.  You can also follow us at:

 http://ranchomastatal.com/ (sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of this page)
https://www.instagram.com/ranchomastatal/
https://www.facebook.com/ranchomastatal