Whether you’re dreaming of starting a small farm, expanding your food production, or simply learning how to grow your own food sustainably, this hands-on course will give you the skills, practice, and support to make it happen. No prior experience required.

What You’ll Learn (Hands-On + Practical) 

You’ll build real skills on a working USDA-certified organic farm in Beverly, MA. Each week blends hands-on fieldwork with guided instruction so you can learn by doing.  

You’ll gain experience in: 

• Soil health and nutrient management 
• Seeding and transplanting 
• Using small-scale equipment like a walk-behind tractor 
• Crop care, irrigation, and plant development 
• Pest and disease management using ecological methods 
• Composting and fertility planning 
• Harvest and post-harvest handling 
• Greenhouse management 
• Diversifying production and integrating new technologies 

By the end of the practicum, you’ll feel confident about: 

• Growing vegetables from seed to harvest 
• Understanding how to manage healthy soil 
• Managing pests and diseases without harmful chemicals 
• Using small-scale farm tools safely and effectively 
• Planning and caring for crops throughout the season 
• Deciding whether you want to pursue farming further 

Watch our video for an inside look into the course!