Garden Apprenticeship

“The Garden Apprenticeship provides a way to give back to the community while learning and receiving produce for yourself. I don’t have a yard or a garden, but really enjoy getting out and working in the dirt, and it makes it all the more satisfying when you get to eat something you’ve grown or get see it going to somebody in need.”
- 2020 Garden Apprentice

The garden apprenticeship is a season-long volunteer commitment. Apprentices meet with our garden staff in their assigned garden each week during the growing season for 1 or 2 hours (time commitments vary depending on the size of the garden).

Garden Apprentices are expected to:

  • Commit to meeting our garden staff in their assigned garden each week during the growing season for 1 to 2 hours.

  • Assist in one 4-hour garden install alongside our garden staff.

  • Interact with the seniors they are serving to ensure we are building community centered around food.

Garden Apprentices also receive a portion of the produce grown in the their gardens!

Season Timeline*:

  • Mid-March – April: Install and prepare gardens

  • May – September: Weekly garden visits

  • October: Winterize gardens

*Exact dates vary based on weather conditions, first and last frost dates, & more.

Garden Apprentices can expect to learn & experience the following:

  • Installing a garden/preparing a garden for planting

  • Irrigation

  • Seed sowing

  • Transplanting

  • Companion planting

  • Soil amendment

  • Pest & weed management

  • Harvesting

  • Winterizing a garden

Thank you so much for your interest in Back-Farms! Fill out the form below and we will reach out to you regarding the next steps for beginning the Garden Apprenticeship. Email our Back-Farms Program Director, Jessica, at backfarms@gulb.org with any questions.

Apply to be a Garden Apprentice