Iowa Western Community College

Friday, May 29, 2026  6:00pm – 9:00pm  Council Bluffs Campus – Looft Hall 
Join Tom O’Brien, owner of Gardens on Glen, for a hands-on workshop exploring the rewarding practice of cultivating mushrooms outdoors. Participants will learn how to prepare growing beds using wood chips and sawdust spawn, manage moisture and shade conditions, and integrate mushroom patches into existing garden spaces. Tom will explain how outdoor mushroom cultivation not only yields delicious, nutrient-rich, sometimes perennial-like harvests but also enhances soil health, boosts microbial activity, and supports companion plants. Attendees will gain step-by-step experience inoculating their own substrate and understanding the life cycle of fungi. Each participant will prepare a take-home mushroom starter setup, ready to establish a thriving outdoor mushroom bed.

Class is Saturday, June 13, 2026  11:00am – 1:00pm   – Council Bluffs Campus 
Early-season gardening sets the tone for your entire growing year. In this class, you’ll learn which crops thrive in cooler temperatures and how to time your seed starting, transplanting, and direct sowing for optimal results. We’ll cover cold-hardy vegetables, early fruits, succession planting strategies, and how to extend your harvest window using simple techniques. You’ll also learn how to avoid common early-season mistakes that limit yield. Whether you’re planting your first garden or refining your approach, this class will give you a clear, actionable plan for maximizing your spring and early summer harvests.

This entire 4-class series is offered at a discounted rate. 
Series starts Saturday, June 13 and continues through August 8. All classes held at the Council Bluffs Campus.
From the first cool-weather crops of early summer to the peak of the main growing season, this series walks you through what to grow, when to harvest, and how to preserve it all before it goes to waste. Each class pairs seasonal growing knowledge with hands-on preservation skills, giving you a complete picture of how to get the most out of your garden all summer long. 

 Early-Season Fruits & Vegetables: What to Start, Plant, Harvest — 06/13/26, 11 AM–1 PM, Hands-on Preserving Early-Season Fruit & Vegetable Harvests NOW — 06/27/26, 11 AM–2 PM, Main-Season Fruits & Vegetables: What to Start, Plant, Harvest — 07/11/26, 11 AM–1 PM, Hands-on Preserving Main-Season Fruit & Vegetable Harvests NOW — 08/08/26, 8:30–11:30 AM

Class is Saturday, June 13, 2026 11:00am – 1:00pm  – Council Bluffs Campus 
A well-designed privacy screen or windbreak can dramatically improve comfort, reduce wind exposure, and enhance the beauty of your property. In this class, you’ll learn how to select the right trees and shrubs for your goals, whether you’re creating year-round privacy, blocking prevailing winds, or establishing a natural boundary. We’ll cover spacing, growth rates, layering strategies, and maintenance considerations to ensure long-term success. You’ll also learn how to balance fast-growing species with long-lived plantings for both immediate and lasting results. By the end of the class, you’ll have a clear plan for designing and establishing your own effective screen or windbreak.

Class is Saturday June, 27, 2026 – 8:30am – 10:30am – Council Bluffs Campus 
Designing a self-sufficient backyard starts with intention and smart planning. In this class, you’ll learn how to assess your space, map out productive zones, and build a system that works with your goals—whether that’s feeding your family, reducing grocery bills, or creating surplus. We’ll cover garden bed placement, perennial vs. annual crops, water access, composting systems, and how to stack functions within limited space. You’ll leave with a clear framework for designing your own backyard system and the confidence to begin implementing it immediately.

Class is Saturday, June 27, 2026  11:00am – 2:00pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center Room 152
Don’t let your early harvest go to waste—learn how to preserve it at peak freshness. In this hands-on class, you’ll work directly with early-season produce to practice simple preservation techniques such as quick pickling, basic water bath canning, and refrigeration methods. We’ll focus on crops like greens, radishes, early cucumbers, and berries, showing you how to turn them into shelf-stable or ready-to-use products. You’ll leave with practical experience, preserved items to take home, and the confidence to continue preserving your harvest throughout the season.
**PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING AN APRON**
 

This entire 5-class series is offered at a discounted rate. Series starts Saturday, June 27 and continues through September 19. All classes held at the Council Bluffs Campus, 8:30–10:30 AM. Ready to turn your backyard into a productive, resilient system? This series covers everything you need to design, grow, and profit from the space you already have. From laying out a smart backyard plan to raising chickens and rabbits, growing high-value crops, and building real income streams, each class stands on its own while building toward a complete picture of backyard self-sufficiency. 

Designing Your Own Self-Sufficient Backyard — 06/27/26, Earning an Income with Urban Farming — 07/11/26, Raising Chickens in the Backyard, The Basics & Beyond — 07/25/26, Sustainable Income & Crop Stacking Strategies — 09/05/26, The Benefits of Raising Rabbits — 09/19/26

Class is Saturday, July 11, 2026  8:30am – 10:30am – Council Bluffs Campus 
Urban farming isn’t just a hobby—it can be a profitable venture when approached strategically. In this class, you’ll learn how to identify high-value crops, maximize production in small spaces, and create multiple income streams from a single property. We’ll explore real-world examples of market gardening, plant sales, value-added products, and subscription models like crop shares. You’ll also gain insight into pricing, marketing, and building a loyal customer base. Whether you’re looking for side income or a full-scale operation, this class will help you see what’s possible and how to get started.

Class is Saturday, July 11, 2026  11:00am – 1:00pm – Council Bluffs Campus 
The main growing season is where your garden reaches its full potential—but only with the right plan in place. This class covers what to plant for peak summer production, including warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, and more. You’ll learn how to time plantings for continuous harvests, manage plant spacing for maximum yield, and support heavy-producing crops. We’ll also discuss pest and disease prevention strategies during the hottest months and how to keep plants productive longer. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for managing a thriving summer garden.

Class is Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00am – 1:00pm – Council Bluffs Campus 
Fall gardening is one of the most overlooked opportunities for productive growing. In this class, you’ll learn how to transition your garden from summer into a highly productive fall system. We’ll cover which crops thrive in cooling temperatures—such as leafy greens, root vegetables, and brassicas—and how to time plantings for continuous harvests before and after the first frost. You’ll also learn techniques for season extension, including row covers, low tunnels, and strategic planting windows. Whether you’re looking to get a second harvest from your space or maximize production late into the year, this class will give you a clear and actionable plan.

This entire 4-class series is offered at a discounted rate. Series starts Saturday, July 25 and continues through October 3. All classes held at the Council Bluffs Campus.
From planning your fall garden at the height of summer to preserving the last harvests of the season, this series walks you through what to grow, when to harvest, and how to make the most of every crop before winter sets in. Each class pairs seasonal growing knowledge with hands-on preservation skills, giving you a complete picture of how to keep your garden productive and your pantry stocked well into the colder months. Fall-Season Fruits & Vegetables: What to Start, Plant, Harvest — 07/25/26, 11 AM–1 PM, Late-Season Fruits & Vegetables: What to Start, Plant, Harvest — 08/22/26, 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, Hands-on Preserving Fall-Season Fruit & Vegetable Harvests NOW — 09/19/26, 11 AM–2 PM, Hands-on Preserving Late-Season Fruit & Vegetable Harvests NOW — 10/03/26, 8:30–11:30 AM

Class is on Saturday, July 25, 2026  8:30am – 10:30am – Council Bluffs Campus 
Chickens are one of the most versatile and productive additions to any backyard. In this class, you’ll learn everything you need to get started—from selecting breeds and setting up coops to feeding, health care, and egg production. We’ll also go beyond the basics, exploring how chickens contribute to soil fertility, pest control, and overall system resilience. Whether you’re raising a few hens for eggs or looking to expand into meat birds and small-scale sales, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to do it right.

Class is Saturday, August 8, 2026  8:30am – 11:30am – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center Room 152
When the garden is in full production, preservation becomes essential. This hands-on class focuses on managing and preserving larger volumes of produce at peak ripeness. You’ll learn and practice techniques such as water bath canning, basic sauce preparation, and batch preservation methods suited for tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, peppers, and fruits. We’ll emphasize efficiency, safety, and flavor—helping you turn abundance into long-term food security. Participants will leave with preserved goods, tested recipes, and the confidence to handle even the heaviest harvest weeks.
**Participants should bring: 3–4 pint or quart jars with lids and rings, dish towel, apron**

This entire 4-class series is offered at a discounted rate. Series starts Saturday, August 8 and continues through October 3. All classes held at the Council Bluffs Campus.
From water bath basics to pressure canning meat and complete meals, this series covers the full range of home food preservation so you can stock your pantry with confidence. Each class builds your skills and knowledge one method at a time, giving you a complete toolkit for preserving your harvest safely and efficiently. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand beyond what you already know, you'll leave each class with real, actionable knowledge.

Water Bath Canning — 08/08/26, Noon–3 PM
Pressure Canning Low-Acid Produce — 08/22/26, 8:00–11:00 AM
Pressure Canning Meat — 09/05/26, Noon–3 PM
Pressure Canning Meals — 10/03/26, Noon–3 PM

Class is Saturday, August 8, 2026  12:00pm – 3:00pm  Student Center Room 1204 – Council Bluffs Campus 
Water bath canning is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to begin preserving food at home. In this class, you’ll learn how to safely can high-acid foods such as fruits, jams, jellies, and pickled vegetables. We’ll cover preparation techniques, proper acidity levels, processing times, and sealing methods to ensure long-term success. This class is perfect for beginners as well as those looking to refine their skills. Participants will gain hands-on experience and leave with the confidence to preserve seasonal abundance using simple, proven methods.
**Participants Should Bring an Apron**

Class is Saturday, August 8, 2026  6:00pm – 9pm – LOCATION TBD
Wine-making is an approachable and rewarding way to turn fruit, juice, or garden harvests into something truly special. In this class, you’ll learn the full wine-making process step by step—from selecting ingredients and starting fermentation to racking, aging, and bottling. We’ll cover essential equipment, sanitation practices, and how to avoid common mistakes that can affect flavor and clarity. You’ll also explore different types of wines, including fruit wines beyond traditional grapes. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby or a way to add value to your harvest, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to get started.

Class is Saturday, August 22, 2026  11:00am – 1:00pm – Council Bluffs Campus 
Late-season gardening is about precision and planning. In this class, you’ll learn how to push
your garden beyond the traditional growing season using cold-hardy crops and strategic timing.
We’ll cover what can still be planted late in the season, what should already be established, and
how to manage crops through frost and colder temperatures. You’ll also learn about
overwintering techniques, cold frames, and how to protect crops for extended harvests. This
class is ideal for gardeners looking to maximize production and maintain fresh food availability
as the season winds down.

Class is Saturday, August 22, 2026  8:00am – 11:00am  – Student Center Room 1204 Council Bluffs Campus 
Pressure canning is essential for safely preserving low-acid foods like vegetables, and this class will walk you through the process step by step. You’ll learn how pressure canning works, why it’s necessary for certain foods, and how to properly prepare, pack, and process your jars. We’ll cover key safety principles, equipment use, and common mistakes to avoid. Participants will observe and assist in the canning process and leave with a clear understanding of how to confidently preserve their own garden produce at home.
**Participants Should Bring an Apron**

Class is Saturday, September 5, 2026 6:00pm – 9:00pm – LOCATION TBD 
Hard cider is one of the simplest and most rewarding fermented beverages to make at home. In this class, you’ll learn how to transform apple juice or fresh-pressed cider into a flavorful, naturally fermented drink. We’ll cover yeast selection, fermentation basics, flavor variations, carbonation options, and bottling techniques. You’ll also learn how to adjust sweetness and alcohol levels to suit your taste. Whether you’re working with store-bought juice or apples from your own trees, this class will show you how to produce consistent, high-quality cider at home.

Class is Saturday, September 5, 2026 12:00pm – 3:00pm  – Student Center Room 1204 Council Bluffs Campus 
Pressure canning meat is one of the most powerful tools for building a self-sufficient food system. In this class, you’ll learn how to safely preserve a variety of meats for shelf-stable storage without sacrificing quality. We’ll cover raw pack vs. hot pack methods, proper processing times, and how to ensure safe, reliable results every time. You’ll also learn how pressure-canned meat can save time in the kitchen and provide quick, ready-to-use protein for meals. Participants will gain hands-on exposure to the process and leave prepared to confidently can meat at home.
**Participants Should Bring an Apron**

Class is on Saturday, September 5, 2026  8:30am – 10:30am – Council Bluffs Campus 
The key to making the most of small acreage—or even a backyard—is stacking functions and income streams. This class dives into the concept of crop stacking: growing multiple crops in succession, combination, or shared space to maximize yield and efficiency. We’ll cover examples like pairing perennials with annuals, integrating mushrooms, using livestock for fertility, and creating overlapping harvest windows. You’ll learn how to design systems that produce continuously throughout the season while building soil health and reducing inputs. By the end, you’ll understand how to turn one growing space into multiple layers of productivity and income.

Class is Saturday, September 19, 2026  11:00am – 2:00pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center Room 152
Fall harvests bring a different set of flavors and preservation opportunities. In this hands-on
class, you’ll work with fall crops such as root vegetables, apples, and hardy greens to learn
practical preservation techniques. We’ll focus on methods like water bath canning, pickling, and
simple storage strategies that help extend shelf life and reduce waste. You’ll gain direct
experience preparing and preserving seasonal produce, along with guidance on adapting these
methods at home. Participants will leave with preserved items and the confidence to make the
most of their fall harvest.
**PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING AN APRON**

Class is Saturday, September 19, 2026  8:30am – 10:30am – Council Bluffs Campus 
Rabbits are one of the most efficient and overlooked livestock options for small-scale and backyard production. In this class, you’ll learn how rabbits can provide a reliable source of high-quality meat, valuable manure for gardening, and an additional income stream—all within a compact footprint. We’ll cover housing, feeding, breeding basics, and humane care practices, along with how to integrate rabbits into a broader garden or farm system. This is an ideal class for anyone looking to increase productivity and sustainability without needing more land.

Class is Saturday, October 3, 2026  8:30am – 11:30am – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center Room 152
As the season comes to a close, preserving your final harvest becomes essential. This hands-on class focuses on handling larger quantities of late-season produce such as squash, root crops, apples, and storage vegetables. You’ll practice preservation techniques including
water bath canning, batch processing, and proper storage methods for long-term use. Emphasis will be placed on efficiency, safety, and maximizing shelf life. Participants will leave with preserved goods, practical skills, and a clear understanding of how to carry their harvest into the winter months.
**PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING AN APRON**

Class is Saturday, October 3, 2026  12:00pm – 3:00pm – Student Center Room 1204 Council Bluffs Campus 
Take pressure canning to the next level by preserving complete, ready-to-eat meals. In this class, you’ll learn how to safely combine ingredients like meats, vegetables, and broths into balanced, shelf-stable meals. We’ll cover proper layering, liquid ratios, processing guidelines, and recipe considerations to ensure both safety and flavor. This approach is ideal for busy households, emergency preparedness, or anyone looking to simplify mealtime. Participants will see the process in action and leave with practical knowledge for creating their own canned meal options at home.
**Participants Should Bring an Apron**