Learn from local farmer and farm educators how to start and operate your own farm. Chose the workshops that fit your needs or sign-up for the entire series! All workshops take place on Fridays from 9am-3pm at farms around the Denver Metro Area. Check out all of the workshops!

Full Workshop Series

February 24th: Building Healthy Soils and Compost,

Chatfield Farms

Learn how to improve the quality and fertility of any soil type and how to start and manage a compost program.

March 10th: Greenhouse Propagation and Crop Planning

Chatfield Farms

Learn how to schedule crops to maximize your harvest; this also includes instruction in basic indoor propagation of vegetable plants.

April 7th: Irrigation and Equipment Use

Chatfield Farms

In this class, you will learn how to set up an irrigation system using drip tape; you will also be introduced to tools commonly used on small- to medium-scale farms for a variety of tasks including tilling, planting, harvesting and fertilizing.

May 19th: Growing for Market

York St

Learn how to prepare your vegetables for a variety of markets including direct-to-consumer and wholesale; get advice from market managers and produce buyers located in Denver.

June 16th: Harvest

Chatfield Farms

In this class, you will learn how to harvest a wide-variety of vegetables as well as how to manage labor and storage space for your bounty.

June 20th: Post-Harvest and Food Safety

Chatfield Farms

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) are necessary to keep food safe on the journey from post-harvest to the consumer’s plate; learn how food safety informs all operations on the farm.

July 14th: Plant Pests, Disease, and Weed Management

Sprout City, 6700 E. Virginia Ave., Denver, CO

Day-to-day farm maintenance requires an intimate knowledge of the insect, disease and weed pests that are attacking your produce; learn how to identify pests and implement management strategies.

July 28th: Small Fruits and Orchard Crops

TBD

Diversify your farm by offering raspberries, grapes, apples, strawberries and many other fruit crops; learn what is possible in Colorado and the best management practices for these crops.

August 11th: Beekeeping

Chatfield Farms

This class is a thorough introduction to beekeeping meant for first-time and beginning beekeepers; learn how to set up, maintain and troubleshoot your own bee hive.

August 25th: Small Livestock

63rd St. Farm, 3796 63rd St., Boulder, CO

Diversity your farm by offering eggs, dairy products or meat birds; learn what is possible in Colorado and strategies for successfully marketing your products.

September 8th: Indoor Growing

Rebel Farm, 5445 W. Evans Ave, Denver, CO

Year-round vegetable production is a reality using greenhouses and high-tunnels. In this workshop, you will learn about hydroponically grown produce operations and season extension devices for in-ground growing.

September 22nd: Community and Volunteer Programs

Mariposa, 1089 Osage Ave., Denver, CO

Are you interested in involving the community more in your farming operation? This class will provide strategies for increasing community involvement and managing volunteer farm programs.

Price: $165 public

Instructor: Denver Botanic Gardens staff and local farmers.