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Apprenticeship Program
Our apprenticeship program is full for the 2011
season. However, much of what is taught in the apprenticeship program
can also be learned by a dedicated volunteer!
Click here to
sign up as a volunteer with Heirloom Gardens.
Our apprenticeship program is
designed to give community members training and hands-on experience with
several different aspects of urban food production.
Some people join the apprenticeship program in order to participate in a
sustainable local food system, and to gain knowledge for their personal
use. Others hope to start their own NSA (Neighborhood Supported
Agriculture) programs. The Heirloom Gardens apprenticeship program
includes training in the following areas:
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Locating and contracting new garden
spaces
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Garden design and crop rotation
planning
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Garden creation
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Volunteer training
and supervision
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Seed starting, repotting and
transplanting
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Organic soil amendment methods
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Harvesting
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CSA distribution
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Farmers' Market setup and operation
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Wintering over crops and garden
spaces
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Urban chicken and goat care
(optional)
Apprentices will be
required to make the following time commitment:
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February - as needed
(not more than 5 hours)
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March and April - 10 hours per month
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May through October - 20 hours per
month
From late May to early October,
Apprentices will need to commit to a regular schedule that includes a
weekly harvesting session, plus a 3 hour weekend shift at least twice a
month. Additional work hours will be
scheduled as needed. Note: Apprentices will have a "bank" of 20
hours that they can utilize May-Oct in case of sickness, vacation, etc.
For details on the scheduling requirements, please contact Sundari at
info@eatwhereUlive.com.
In addition to the time
commitment, Apprentices should:
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Feel comfortable
supervising and directing others
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Be well organized
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Interact well with the public (i.e.
customers)
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Be able to comfortably lift 40 pounds
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Have reliable transportation
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Own a shovel, trowel, and bucket
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Be ok with getting dirty!
Apprentices do not
need to have special gardening knowledge or expertise.
In exchange for their
work, Apprentices will receive a free vegetable share during the 20-week
distribution season. At the conclusion of the season, interested Apprentices will receive
all Heirloom Gardens applications and forms (including garden
application, yard use contract, CSA member agreement, and volunteer
release of liability) for their use in starting their own NSA program!
Apprentices will also be able to attend Heirloom
Gardens classes for free (on a space-available basis).
To apply for the 2011
program, or to ask questions, contact Sundari at
info@eatwhereUlive.com.
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