theClubhou.se, a makerspace in downtown Augusta, and Augusta Locally Grown, a nonprofit organization spearheading a more vibrant local foods culture, are partnering this spring to grow better food options for the Augusta community—and want to teach us how to do the same.
 
Augusta Locally Grown’s Robert Sims of R and R Sustainable Farms is the 2017 Steward of the Incubator Urban Farm at theClubhou.se, which features raised garden beds that provide fresh produce to local restaurants and farmers markets.
 
Sims, who graduated from Lucy Craft Laney High School and Benedict College with a degree in biology, launched his farm business with peer-to-peer support from theClubhou.se. R and R will manage several urban and rural farming sites in addition to the farm at theClubhou.se and will also assist individuals interested in installing raised bed gardens at their homes.
 
In addition, the two organizations are partnering to offer “Grow Your Own” Workshops, held at theClubhou.se every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. through April 26. Suggested donation for each workshop is $5; to reserve your space, order a ticket through the Augusta Locally Grown online market (www.augustalocallygrown.org) or text Kim Hines at 706-288-7895. Topics are:
 
March 8: The Ancient Art of Broth Making. With Chef Charleen Tinley of Culinary Connections. Tasting samples will include tonkatsu (pork) ramen broth, dried bean broth, seafood broth and chicken broth.

March 15: Shiitake Mushrooms at Home. With Kathryn Koven of Khakalaki Farm. This hands-on workshop teaches how to grow shitake mushrooms in hardwood logs.

March 22: Urban Farming in Small Spaces. With Candace Zukas of Bottle Tree Farm. Tricks and organic practices for city homesteading, including tight-space trellising, rain barrel irrigation, espalier fruit trees and even urban livestock keeping, will be shared.

March 29. Culinary Knife Skills. With Chef Georgia Miller of Helms College. Bring your own kitchen knives and a cutting board … and give yourself the treat of finally learning to use ‘em right! The class focuses on a variety of techniques using a chef’s knife and a paring knife … and maybe a few fancier ones too.

April 5. Simple Cheese Making. With Chef LaRahna Hughes of Sugarbear’s Catering. Artisan cheese making is an art form, but – believe it or not - the basics are simple! Join to make and taste a simple mozzarella.

April 12. The Joy of Natural Dyes. Toni Quinn of Sugar Magnolia Farm will show different ways to use natural dyes to create beautiful Easter eggs. Susannah Johnson of Bella Luna Farm will share hints on tints for fibers and fabrics.

April 19. Gardening With Kids. With Kim Hines of ALG and Margaret Strickland of Westobou Montessori School. Moms, dads and local educators are encouraged to attend this hands-on workshop, chock full of fun ideas for both home and school gardens, including earthworms, elephant poo and more.

April 26. Smoking & Curing. With local, award-winning BBQ competitor Patrick Sutter. BYO beer and take in the details of this meat-lover’s favorite past time with stories, suggestions and samples.