Seed to Harvest – 2026 Garden Apprenticeship
Price range: $250.00 through $950.00
Seed to Harvest is an immersive gardening apprenticeship curated across three carefully timed weekends, following the arc of the growing season — from spring awakening through autumn harvest. This hands-on program provides a complete and embodied understanding of caring for perennial medicinal plants, learning through practice with your hands in the soil in one of Vermont’s most beloved medicinal gardens, under the guidance of experienced garden steward Joann Darling.
See below for dates, details, and tuition options.
All levels are welcome — no prior gardening experience required.
Class size is intentionally small to ensure personalized instruction and meaningful hands-on time in the gardens of Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary in Orange, Vermont.
Each weekend session runs Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM with a break for lunch (approximately 12 contact hours per weekend, 36 hours total)
Weekend I — Awakening the Garden · June 6 & 7, 2026 Spring ephemeral identification, early weed management, compost tea brewing, and perennial planting.
Weekend II — The Abundant Garden · August 8 & 9, 2026 Pollinator ecology, invasive species management, natural pest control, and pruning for extended bloom.
Weekend III — Harvest & Rest · October 3 & 4, 2026 Seed collection and storage, plant division and transplanting, soil health, and closing the season with intention.
Tuition & Payment Options
Sustaining — $950: For those with financial stability and discretionary income. Your investment directly supports scholarship access for others.
Standard — $750: The true cost of program delivery. Choose this if you can invest in education without significant hardship.
Accessible — $600: For those managing financial constraints, under-employment, or hardship. Your presence matters.
Payment Plan — $250 deposit: Hold your spot now with a $250 deposit, with the balance paid in installments before the final session.
Interested in a work exchange? Our Garden Internship positions offer free enrollment in exchange for contributing garden hours alongside Joann throughout the season. [Apply by April 20.]
Contact us confidentially if cost is a barrier.
