Urban Farming II -Hydroponics (8-weeks, In-Person)
Start Date: July 1 – August 19, 2026
Day/Times: Wednesdays, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: EA Office, 4950 W Thomas, Chicago, IL
Fee: $295 (non-scholarship; Free scholarship for IL R3 resident/business, IL Veterans & immediate family; IL Justice Impacted & immediate family (documentation of proof must be submitted)
This 8-week in-person course introduces students to hydroponic farming as a practical and sustainable method for growing food in urban environments. Students will learn how to design, manage, and evaluate hydroponic systems. The course combines classroom instruction with hands-on activities to help students build confidence in growing crops without soil. By the end of the program, students will understand plant nutrition, environmental management, and basic system maintenance while developing skills that can support community gardening, entrepreneurship, and sustainable food production.
Urban Farming Workshop - Understanding Soil Structure & Soil Health
Start Date: July 6, 2026
Day/Times: Monday, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: MS Teams – Virtual
Understanding Soil Structure & Soil Health is a one-hour workshop designed to introduce participants to the foundation of successful soil-based growing. This session explores soil composition, texture, and the role of nutrients and microorganisms.
Participants will learn how to assess and improve soil quality in urban environments. The workshop also highlights the importance of healthy soil in supporting productive and sustainable farming systems.
Urban Farming Workshop - Compost & Organic Matter
Start Date: July 13, 2026
Day/Times: Monday, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: MS Teams – Virtual
Compost & Organic Matter is a one-hour workshop designed to teach participants how to recycle organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments. This session covers composting methods, materials, and best practices for urban settings.
Participants will learn how to build and maintain a compost system at home or in community spaces. The workshop also highlights composting as a key practice in sustainable urban farming
Urban Farming Workshop - Vermicomposting
Start Date: July 20, 2026
Day/Times: Monday, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: MS Teams – Virtual
Vermicomposting is a one-hour workshop designed to introduce participants to composting with worms as a space-efficient solution for urban environments. This session focuses on setting up and maintaining a small-scale worm system.
Participants will learn how to manage food scraps, care for worms, and produce high-quality compost. The workshop also highlights vermicomposting as an accessible and sustainable method for improving soil health.
Urban Farming Workshop - Maximizing Yield in Small Spaces
Start Date: July 27, 2026
Day/Times: Monday, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: MS Teams – Virtual
Maximizing Yield in Small Spaces is a one-hour workshop designed to help participants grow more food in limited indoor or urban environments using hydroponic systems. This session focuses on space-efficient techniques such as vertical growing, plant spacing, and system optimization.
Participants will learn practical strategies to increase productivity while maintaining plant health. The workshop also highlights how small-scale hydroponic growing can support food access and sustainability in dense urban settings
Urban Farming Workshop - Pest & Disease Control in Indoor Systems
Start Date: August 3, 2026
Day/Times: Monday, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: MS Teams – Virtual
Participants will learn how to identify early signs of pest issues, prevent outbreaks, and maintain healthy growing systems. The workshop also highlights the importance of cleanliness, monitoring, and balanced ecosystems in indoor farming.
Urban Farming Workshop - Pollination, Harvesting & Plant Care for Indoor Crops
Start Date: August 10, 2026
Day/Times: Monday, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: MS Teams – Virtual
Participants will learn how to improve fruit production, extend plant life, and maintain consistent yields. The workshop also highlights best practices for keeping plants productive and healthy in controlled environments.
Urban Farming Workshop - Pollination, Harvesting & Plant Care for Indoor Crops
Start Date: August 17, 2026
Day/Times: Monday, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: MS Teams – Virtual
Participants will learn how to increase output, manage resources, and begin thinking about hydroponics as a potential source of income. The workshop also highlights opportunities within local food systems and urban agriculture markets
