Back to the Garden

Feeling DIY Curious? Sample a world of new skills at these popular festivals.

Common Ground Country Fair Third weekend after Labor Day | Unity, Maine

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association offers a multitude of apprenticeship, support, and educational programs for new and established farmers. The organization’s annual Common Ground Fair brings it all together over three days, with dozens of workshops on everything from permaculture gardening and seed saving to goat milking and hoof trimming. (Topics also include cooking, parenting, crafts, foraging, and even dogsledding.) It’s the “Big E” for back-to-the-landers—a congenial, family-friendly gathering of thousands. If you’re curious about the farming life, this is the place to get a taste.  mofga.org/thefair

Kneading Conference & Maine Artisan Bread Fair Late July | Skowhegan, Maine

The Maine Grain Alliance offers two-day workshops throughout the year for bakers and grain aficionados looking to get their hands tucked into many types of dough. But the highlight of the year is the group’s annual kneading conference and bread fair, a three-day baking bonanza during which participants bake dozens of unique loaves in wood-fired ovens. Workshops include how to build your own firebrick or earthen oven (and use it for baking) and a dedicated track for home bakers. It’s a must for serious bakers and bread lovers. kneadingconference.com

New Hampshire Sheep & Wool Festival Mid-May | Deerfield, New Hampshire

In addition to the 100 or so vendors, the handcrafts show, and the sheep-shearing and Border-collie demos, this annual gathering from the New Hampshire Sheep & Wool Growers Association offers workshops on wet felting, knitting, spinning, and needle felting.  nhswga.com

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