The Center for Agroecology at UC Santa Cruz offers a 6-month training course in organic gardening and farming called the Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture. Cultural requirements for vegetable, herb, flower and fruit cultivars are covered, including the specifics of soil preparation, composting, sowing, cultivation, propagation, irrigation, pest and disease control. This is a full-time program involving field and garden work, classes, readings, and field trips. The 35-40 apprentices each year come from all regions of the US and abroad, and represent a wide spectrum of ages, backgrounds, and interests. There are several full and partial tuition waivers available for minorities and for economically disadvantaged individuals.
Most apprentices choose to live on the Farm in their own tents.
Program graduates receive a certificate carrying 20 units of UC Extension credit.