Beginning Market Farming Certificate Program

Are you interested in growing and selling vegetables but don’t know where to start? Denver Botanic Gardens and Colorado State University Extension partner to deliver a certificate program that will introduce you to the ins and outs of becoming a successful market farmer on five acres or less.

By participating in this program, you will attend eight core curriculum lectures that will cover everything from planning your farm to selling at market. You will apply what you have learned in the classroom through six hands-on workshops on working farms. Finally, you will have the opportunity to choose up to three advanced, elective classes that cover innovative topics such as seed saving and season extension. Lectures take place on Tuesday evenings from 5:30-8 p.m., dinner provided, and workshops take place on Fridays.

Staff from our program will work with you to help find hands-on experiences at local farms. This may take the form of a regular volunteer shift, an internship or an apprenticeship. If you have your own farm already up and running, the Gardens or CSU Extension staff can work with you over the growing season on any issues or questions that arise.

This program is sold out for 2022.

To complete the certificate, you must:

• Attend (7) out of (8) core curriculum lectures and (5) out of (6) hands-on lectures
• Attend a minimum of two (2) out of three (3) offered electives in September; register individually
• Complete all courses within the calendar year

All core curriculum lectures take place at Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street, Denver, CO 80206.

All hands-on workshops take place at Chatfield Farms, 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, CO 80128.

Elective courses dates and locations TBD.