Learn how to start your own farm from experienced farmers across the Chesapeake region! Spend the winter learning so that you can hit the ground running this spring. Each week we will explore a topic critical to the success of your sustainable farm operation - all growing scales and experience levels are welcome. This class is primarily designed for folks interested in growing vegetables, flowers and herbs in soil; however, many of the topics will apply to all new farming operations. The goal of this class is for you to gain a basic understanding of the following topics and for you to build community with other sustainable farmers.
Class will meet virtually for ten Tuesday evenings from January 28th - April 1st, 2025. Most classes will feature multiple farmer speakers and will largely be lecture-based with ample opportunity for questions. Students will also complete weekly homework assignments and should expect to spend 30-60 minutes working outside of class each week. While this class is not offered for credit, students can earn a certificate of completion through active participation and homework completion.
**New in 2025: A series of hands-on field days will accompany the class series and will be announced in February 2025.
You can register for individual classes once the schedule is finalized in early January 2025.
Week 1, 1/28/25: Introductions, Goal Setting, and Site Selection with Laura Beth Resnick from Butterbee Farm
Week 2, 2/4/25: Intro to Soil Health, speakers include Lisa Garfield from Million Acre Challenge and Tom Paduano from Flying Plow Farm
Week 3, 2/11/25: Weed Management and Soil Preparation with Ryan Kalivretenos from Common Root Farm
Week 4, 2/18/25: Crop planning, Crop Rotation, and Transplant Production with Casey Gustowarow from Fireside Farm
Week 5, 2/25/25: Plant Pest & Disease Management with Andrew Kness and Veronica Yurchak, University of Maryland Extension
Week 6, 3/4/25: Marketing with Lisa Duff from Oak Spring Farm and Kristin Hanna from Maryland Department of Agriculture
Week 7, 3/11/25: Harvest/Post Harvest Systems & Food Safety with Kimberly Raikes of Edible Farm Consultants and Emma Jagoz of Moon Valley Farm
Week 8, 3/18/25: Business Planning & Budgeting with Liz Reitzig of Nourishing Liberty
Week 9, 3/25/25: Intro to Livestock with Deb Dramby of 56 Hooves and Anna Milbradt of Willowsford Farm
Week 10, 4/1/25: Land Access and New Farmer Success Stories with Maura McCasted of Ad Astra Farms
If the registration fee is is a financial barrier, please fill out this scholarship application.
%20(1).jpg)
Event Registration & Membership Portal