Beginning Market Farmers Certificate
Interested in small-scale farming or bringing homegrown food to market? Denver Botanic Gardens and Colorado State University Extension partner to offer a certificate program that equips aspiring market farmers with essential knowledge and practical experience, essential for launching or enhancing a market farming venture. The course provides in-depth instruction in small farm production and sales while fostering connections with a network of growers and urban agriculture sites throughout the area.
2026 General Program Overview
January – May: Tuesday Evening Classroom Instruction
4-7 p.m.
Introduction to the Realities of Farming
Plant Families, Basic Botany and Plant Physiology
Soil, Fertility & Plant Nutrition
Crop Planning, Food Safety on the Farm
Vegetable Crop Pests and Plant Pathogens
Labor, Sales, Nuts & Bolts
Farm Panel Discussion on the Experience of Small Farming
May – September: Saturday Hands-On Workshops
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Bee Keeping
Tools & Irrigation
Livestock Farming Workshop
Soil Management & Composting
Greenhouse Propagation
Insects and Pathogens
Design, Crop Planting and Harvesting
Registration: Registration open now and closes Jan. 19, 2026. This program usually sells out.
Register for the Beginning Market Farmers Certificate
Scholarships: Limited certificate course scholarships are available with a commitment to attendance. Notification will be sent to all applicants by email at least two weeks prior to the start date. The application for a scholarship is closed.
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FAQ
Where and when do classes take place?
The first part of the program is an early evening lecture series at Denver Botanic Gardens York Street location in the Freyer – Newman Center. The second part takes place at various locations in the Denver area including Chatfield Farms, local small farms, local apiaries, CSU Spur and Focus Points.
Do you offer scholarships?
Limited scholarships are available. Contact adult.programs@botanicgardens.org for more information.
How can I get hands-on experience?
Staff from our program can help you find hands-on experiences at local farms. This may take the form of a regular volunteer shift, an internship or an apprenticeship.
Can I get help during the growing season for my farm?
If you have your own farm already up and running, the Gardens or CSU Extension staff can work with you during the growing season on any issues or questions that arise.
What is the class size?
We can accommodate 25 students each year. This program usually sells out.
Contact us at adult.programs@botanicgardens.org or 720-865-3500 with any questions about the Beginning Farmers Core Curriculum & Hands-On Workshops.