Courses & Workshops

Growing your own fruit is an empowering, rewarding and very satisfying labor of love! Sometimes however, it can be challenging. And it really pays off to do things right the first time: first research, then plan, lastly plant. No matter the size, orchards from 2 trees to 200+ are an investment in both time and labor. See below for some excellent courses and workshops to help you along your journey!

Complete Fruit Tree Grafting & Budding Online Course with Orchard People

Complete Fruit Tree Grafting & Budding Online Course
Join Steph Muma (from Silver Creek Nursery) and Susan Poizner (from Orchard People) on your own grafting journey in the Complete Fruit Tree Grafting & Budding Online Course.
Learn everything you need to know about fruit tree grafting and budding including:
- winter scion collection, spring grafting (cleft, bark, whip & tongue)
- summer budding (chip & T-budding)
- grafting aftercare
We run this course just once a year. Click here to learn more and register.
Complete Fruit Tree Grafting & Budding Online Course
This course won both a Gold and Silver Laurel Media Award from Garden Communicators International for Best Special Project 2024!
This online course is hosted by our affiliate Susan Poizner over at Orchard People. Our own Steph Muma, co-owner of Silver Creek Nursery, helped create the course content and contributes to the live sessions throughout your course experience. You'll be a pro at grafting by the time you finish this online course!
We run this course just once a year. Click here to learn more about the course and register!

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Workshops at Silver Creek Nursery

Holistic Spray Workshop

Saturday April 26th, 2025 - 8am-10am

Ever wondered about the mysterious 'Holistic Spray' we mention? Learn all about it in this workshop. Join us bright and early to discuss spraying, the ingredients in a holistic spray, when, where, and most importantly, why! We will show you our set up and offer advice to make your own spray, for your own localized pest and disease pressures. Rain date TBD if needed. Email sales@silvercreeknursery.ca to get your name on the list - space is limited! Cost: pay-what-you-can, suggested price $20-$25 per person, funds will go to our test orchards.

Apple Grafting Workshop - SOLD OUT FOR 2025

Sunday May 4th, 2025 - 1pm-4pm

Join us for a hands-on, in-person grafting lesson! We will walk you through the history and theory behind grafting, give you a chance to try grafting out for yourself, and by the end of the workshop you'll have grafted five of your own apple trees to plant at home! Click HERE for more information and email us at sales@silvercreeknursery.ca if you want to be added to the preregistration list for our 2026 workshop.

Online Courses with Susan Poizner of Orchard People, Toronto ON

Get inspired today!

Growing Organic Fruit Trees: A Beginner's Guide
Urban orchardist and fruit tree care educator Susan Poizner shares proven secrets for growing healthy, productive organic fruit trees.
1 hour. For 50% off tuition use discount code FTNURSERY $19.95 USD.
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Researching Fruit Trees for Organic Growing Success
Learn to research and source easier-to-grow fruit trees that will thrive. You will also learn about rootstocks, planting distances andadvanced growing systems. Beginner or intermediate level.
2 hours. $79 USD.
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Unlocking Soil Potential
The secret to growing healthy plants and trees is a soil that is rich in nutrients and filled with life. And the secret to achieving healthy soil does not involve fancy fertilizers and expensive amendments.
5 hours. $199 USD.
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Managing Fruit Tree Pests & Disease (IPM)
Protect your fruit trees from pests and diseases without resorting to chemical warfare! IPM allows you to minimize the use of sprays while improving tree health.
7 hours. $249 USD.
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Fruit Tree Pruning Masterclass
Orchardists will learn fruit tree pruning skills to improve fruit tree health & harvest. This course covers central leader, espalier and high-density orchard pruning.
4 hours. $149 USD.
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Certificate In Fruit Tree Care
Learn how to select a fruit tree for your unique conditions. Learn planting and young tree care, winter and summer pruning, pest and disease prevention, soil and fertility management.
8 hours. $249 USD.
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Orchard People Community Forum
In this organic-minded community you can ask your fruit tree care questions and share your experiences with other passionate growers of all levels of experience.
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Meet Susan Poizner
Founder of Orchard People, Susan has carved out her place in the fruit tree world to educate and inspire beginner and intermediate gardeners and growers to prolifically grow their own nutrient dence fruit!
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Bronze Bundle
Save $73 on tuition. Sign up for our Certificate in Fruit Tree Care and receive our Fruit Tree Pruning Masterclass for half price. For beginner and intermediate growers.
12 hours. $325 USD.
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Silver Bundle
Save $100 in tuition for Certificate in Fruit Tree Care and Managing Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases (IPM). Includes pruning, fertility management, organic pest and disease identification.
15 hours. $398 USD.
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Gold Bundle
Save $150 in tuition and learn how to grow fruit trees successfully. Includes 3 courses: Certificate in Fruit Tree Care, Fruit Tree Pruning Masterclass, Managing Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases (IPM).
19 hours. $495 USD.
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Platinum Bundle
Save $200 in tuition and take all 4 flagship courses: Certificate in Fruit Tree Care, Fruit Tree Pruning Masterclass, Managing Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases, Unlocking Soil Potential.
24 hours. $646 USD.
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