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 27th - March 31st, 2026. 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.
A series of hands-on field days will accompany the class series and will be announced in February 2026. New this year: workshops will be replicated around the region!
You can also register for individual classes once the schedule is finalized in early January 2026.
Week 1, 1/27/26: Intro to Soil Health, speakers include Lisa Garfield from Million Acre Challenge and Sarah Rider from Flying Plow Farm
Week 2, 2/3/26: Introductions, Goal Setting, and Site Selection with Laura Beth Resnick from Butterbee Farm
Week 3, 2/10/26: Crop planning, Crop Rotation, and Transplant Production
Week 4, 2/17/26: Farm Systems and Soil Preparation with Bryan Alexander from Good Dog Farm
Week 5, 2/24/26: Plant Pest & Disease Management with Andrew Kness and Veronica Yurchak, University of Maryland Extension
Week 6, 3/3/26: Marketing
Week 7, 3/10/26: Harvest/Post Harvest Systems & Food Safety
Week 8, 3/17/26: Business Planning & Budgeting
Week 9, 3/24/26: Intro to Livestock
Week 10, 3/31/26: Land Access and New Farmer Success Stories
If the registration fee is is a financial barrier, please fill out this scholarship application.
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