Market Gardener Program
We are nourishing communities through growing and sharing food. Since 2017, the two-acres of land along the North Limestone Corridor has served as an urban farm. From the beginnings, this space was dedicated to creating opportunities for growers to produce nutritious food for the city of Lexington without worrying about the cost of land. A donation can directly impact the growth of programs like the market gardener program, which has supported dozens of new market gardeners.
Applications open in fall | Workshops during fall/winter months | Growing begins in early spring | Sales of produce runs throughout the summer season
Each year our indoor workshops vary. A sample of some of our previous workshops are below:
Fruit Production with Dr. John Strang
Selling at the Farmer’s Market with Ryan Burnette
Selling produce to restaurants and kitchens with Leandra Forman
How to upcycle food waste into compost with Christine Smith
Business Planning and Marketing with Olivia Vogel and Spencer Guinn of KCARD
No-till farming with Jesse Frost and Hannah Crabtree
Diversifying Production with chickens with Travis Robinson
Seedkeeping with Chris Keeve
Caring for the Grower with Monet Proctor and Megan Pillsbury
Selling to restaurants, season extension, and more with Zach Selby
Frequently Asked Questions
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This is a year long process of guiding participants through basic horticultural practices, food safety, and general business planning.
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Participants meet weekly. This includes 16 hours of hands-on field training, 3 farm visits, 16 hours of indoor workshops, plus a 24-week market season.
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Participants are paid a small stipend to support their participation in the program. In the spring season, they are given sections of land for their operations to apply what they have learned during the fall/winter months. This support from Seedleaf helps new market gardeners take risks and learn without the fear of financial ruin. Market gardeners keep all proceeds earned from their efforts.
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Anyone can apply during the fall months with applications open. This program seeks to create a diverse cadre of growers who are able to supply Lexington communities, markets, and restaurants with fresh, local produce.
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Throughout the program, growers receive instruction, support, and connection to local market outlets for selling their produce. Seedleaf has partnered with Lexington Farmers Market to provide a fully supported market booth for growers to sell their produce on Sunday mornings at the Southland Drive Farmers Market from May to October.
Field Trip Site Hosts of the Market Gardener Program
… and more!
What Market Gardener Alumni are saying…
