GARDENING CLASSES

Convivium's gardening classes help you learn to grow your own food. Our in-person classes and workshops follow the entire growing season from planning and seed starting to harvesting, fall bed prep and composting. We also offer free garden-oriented Lunch & Learn presentations on the third Wednesdays of each month. All levels are welcome!​

  • SLIDING SCALE

    Convivium is a nonprofit committed to helping increase accessibility to the tools and knowledge of how to grow and prepare your own food. As part of this commitment, and in pursuit of a more wholesome and secure food experience for all, Convivium is now offering most of our classes on a sliding scale.

    The sliding scale system allows for classes to be obtained at multiple price points, based on the circumstances of the participant. It allows folks who may otherwise be priced out of something to have the chance to take part in it.

    How it works

    When completing your registration, please self-select from the following three payment levels:

    Contributor: The contributor level is a pay-what-you-can option that allows you to do just that – pay what you are able to for the class, at this time. Please note there is a $5 minimum per the Eventbrite platform. If this minimum, or paying with a credit card, is a barrier, please call us at 563.557.2900.

    Supporter: The supporter level is the normal ticket price of this class. It covers all the supplies and materials needed, as well as the instructor fee.

    Sustainer: The sustainer level is a buy-one, give-one model that covers the complete cost of your class plus a small donation that helps supplement the cost of a Contributor level participant. By choosing this level, you are ensuring we can continue to offer this class in a way that is accessible and affordable to all– thank you for your generosity.

CLASS SIGN UP

Convivium is a nonprofit committed to improving life through food. To make our educational programs accessible to all, our public classes are offered on a sliding scale pricing model. This means you can choose the level that best fits your circumstances — Contributor, Supporter, or Sustainer.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

INSTUCTOR: AJ SHULTZ

Our Farm Manager, AJ Shultz, tends our neighborhood gardens. From building healthy soil to harvesting over 5,000 pounds of produce each season, AJ’s enthusiasm for growing and enjoying fresh food is the backbone of our operation. When not in the field, AJ also teaches gardening and composting classes and serves as our garden tour guide.

Trust us – you don’t want to miss an opportunity to experience our gardens with him. AJ has been involved in edible and sustainable landscaping and urban gardening most of his adult life. His training and professional background includes working with organic farms and edible landscape organizations in Santa Cruz, California; Huelo, Hawaii; and Margaret River, Australia. An Iowa native, AJ returned to the area in 2011 to raise a family with his wife Kerri, also an Iowa native. They now have two growing daughters, Josey and Marny.