Organic Citrus Growing Short Course

February 9-12, 2023

Course Overview

Seasoned citrus growers will provide detailed information appropriate for a range of growers, focused on a diverse range of citrus production. Presenters include Chadwick Garden Manager Orin Martin, Farm Garden Manager Christof Bernau, and Daniel Paduano Farm Manager and Co-owner of Abounding Harvest Mountain Farm. 

This course will begin with an online introductory lecture on February 9th. Instructor Orin Martin will share a presentation on getting started with citrus that will include video demonstrations.

On February 11th, participants will begin the day at the UCSC Farm to learn about citrus planning, planting, pruning, and care with instructors Christof Bernau and Orin Martin. Participants will then spend an afternoon session at the Chadwick Garden on the UCSC campus. Orin Martin will tour participants through the garden's citrus trees from recent plantings to 50-year old trees to discuss rootstock/tree size and bearing, care/consideration for small citrus block, orchard floor management, seasonal ripening, irrigation delivery systems, and more.

The final session will take place on February 12th at Abounding Harvest Mountain Farm in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Daniel Paduano will tour participants through his citrus grove at this certified-organic farm specializing semi-tropical fruit and summer vegetables, sharing information on varietal differences, orchard management, irrigation, fertility, and more. 

About the Instructors

Orin Martin is the author of Fruit Trees for Every Garden: An Organic Approach to Growing Apples, Peaches, Plums, Citrus and More (2020 American Horticultural Society Book Award Winner). Since 1977, he has taught classes, lectures, and workshops to thousands of students and other learners.

Christof Bernau has extensive experience in citrus management and has been teaching students, apprentices, home gardeners, and budding farmers with the Center for Agroecology since 1999.

Daniel Paduano is a graduate of the Center for Agroecology's Apprenticeship Program. Since 2006 he has managed Abounding Harvest Mountain Farm, which specializes in semi-tropical fruit including citrus. 

Pre-registration for the course is required. The course carries extension credit from UCSC Extension and has a $200 fee. REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE

Scholarship Information

Scholarships are available. APPLY NOW FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

Course Schedule

• Thursday, February 9th, 5:30-7:00pm — Online introductory webinar
• Saturday, February 11th, 9:00am -12:00 pm — UCSC Farm; 1:30-4:00pm — Alan Chadwick Garden
• Sunday, February 12th, 9:00 am-12pm —Abounding Harvest Mountain Farm

See Also

• Planning and Planting a Small Orchard Block Short Course
• Short Courses