About the Instructor

Deb conducting an early spring workshop Deborah Kates is a third-generation gardener and certified Master Composter who has been growing organically for forty-five years. She loves helping people understand how to grow food without synthetic chemicals to get healthier and appreciate nature. Information is presented in an engaging and fun way accessible to all. Participants can dig on:

  • Stress release
  • Good nutrition
  • Exercise
  • Improved mental health
  • Saving money
  • Optimism
  • Better outlook on life
  • Healthy engagement with nature
  • Keeping synthetic and oftentimes toxic chemicals out of our soil and water as well as our bodies

...ALL are benefits of the amazing, multi-dimensional, self-educating, earthy, and erotic world that is growing fresh food organically!

Sessions are available remotely via Zoom or live at venues in Chester County as well as Center City Philadelphia. Deborah also offers private group and individual talks at her home in Chester County, Pennsylvania (just west of Philadelphia), and will come to your location as a private gardening coach if you are located in the Chester County region.

Experience Counts!
Clients include Aclaris Therapeutics, Aqua America, Ardent Federal Credit Union, the Chester County Government, Chester County and Brandywine Hospitals, the Coatesville Veterans Administration Medical Center, DSM Biomedical, Independence Blue Cross, the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum, The Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Resources, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Valley Forge Historical Park, and Weston Solutions. Deborah has also instructed for the ACAC Fitness Center, Chester County Night School, the Chester County Public Library system, Downingtown Area Recreation Consortium, Kimberton Whole Foods, Montgomery County Community College, and the Twin Valleys and Valley Garden Clubs, as well as farmer's markets, senior centers, and private groups around the county.


A basket of organic plenty from Deb's garden.
A basket of organic plenty from Deb's garden.

Participant Feedback


"Great class! A lifetime of knowledge over a short time period. The presenter is experienced from hands-on application and research and knows all the dirty truths about gardening! Well worth it!"
- Barbara St. Germaine, Chester County municipal employee

"Deborah's programs are always very popular with the public. They are entertaining as well as informative. She is knowledgeable and witty, and I'm not sure which people like best – the content or her personality. I think it's close!"
- Pam Marquette, Program Coordinator for the Chester County Library and District Center

Read more at Testimonials...