Crop Production Course

Ready to Start Your Own Farm or Grow Your Garden Dreams?

Join our 9-week Crop Production Course and gain the practical skills and confidence you need to grow healthy food, care for the soil, and run a successful small farm or garden. 

Register now:

Self-Paced Version:

  • Available now if you don't want to wait until Spring 2026
  • To be enjoyed at your own pace
  • Includes access to videos, readings, tools, and an abundance of resources to support your learning.
  • Cost: $300 

Live (Online) Version:

  • Dates: April 14 – June 9, 2026
  • Weekly live Zoom sessions: Tuesdays, 6:00–7:30 p.m. EST
  • All sessions recorded for flexible learning
  • Cost: $450 (half-off scholarships available)

Register Here

Register Here 


What you will learn:

You will get the foundational skills to grow vegetables and fruits sustainably, manage your land, and prepare your crops for market. Whether you are planning to grow food for your household or launch a farm business, this course will set you up for success.

Topics include:

  • Growing a wide range of vegetables and fruits for home or market.
  • Building and maintaining healthy, fertile soil.
  • Developing a realistic, seasonal crop plan.
  • Managing seedlings and greenhouse systems.
  • Choosing and maintaining essential farm equipment.
  • Setting up and operating irrigation systems.
  • Using cover crops and natural methods to control weeds.
  • Identifying and managing pests and diseases.
  • Washing, storing, and preparing crops with food safety in mind.
  • Navigating programs, services, and resources for new farmers.

You will also receive:

  • One-on-one technical assistance from New Entry staff.
  • Access to videos, readings, and tools to support your learning.
  • A network of fellow learners and growers
  • A full syllabus outlining weekly topics and assignments. Read the syllabus here.

Who Should Take This Course:

  • Growers interested in sustainable farming practices.
  • Aspiring farmers ready to start their business.
  • Home growers who want to expand their skills. No prior farming experience is required!

What Past Participants Say:

  • “This has been the best and most empowering farming course I have ever attended. Your meticulously prepared slides, the extra resources on Canvas, and your good presentation style have all left an indelible mark on my life. This course has opened my mind and elevated it to new heights of thinking. The course was so practical, educational, and inspiring.” – Wesley, Spring 2025
  • “This class was awesome—everything from microbes in the soil to the machinery needed to make it all work. The instructor clearly knows his stuff and cares about the earth.” – Fernanda, Spring 2023
  • “The knowledge was very practical. I appreciated that multiple sustainable methods were discussed, including their pros and cons.” – Dayna, Spring 2022
  • “I think anyone who’s contemplating starting a farm business should take this course.” – Erin, Summer 2023

Money Back Guarantee

We're confident that you'll love this course, but if for whatever reason you're not completely satisfied, you can get a full refund before the second class.


Questions?

Contact Ben Zoba – benjamin.zoba@tufts.edu

Would you like to be a part of sustainable agriculture but have never worked on a farm?