Desert Woman Apprentice & Weekend Intensive Programs

However, a number of people that cannot commit to the seasonal demands of the regular Apprentice Program have asked for a more structured one than our periodic classes - thus we begin our Monthly Weekend Intensive Program.
 

Our Regular Apprentice Program

Desert Woman Botanicals is seeking 
dedicated, motivated, apprentices for the 2010 season.

Your mission - should you choose to accept it! - will involve you in all aspects of the selection, planting, cultivation, harvesting, post-harvest preparations, marketing, distribution, and administration of an herb business.  Whether you subsequently choose to establish a business as a grower/seller of plants, create and market herbal products, find a niche within the herbal community and industry, continue your formal education, pursue alternate avenues in the health field, or simply take charge of your life by learning to grow your own organic food and prepare your own herbal products, you will gain broad and specific knowledge, expanded awareness, and hands-on, practical experience that often requires years of study.  This a unique opportunity for someone with a serious intent and heartfelt desire.

Gila is a very small village in the middle of nowhere but adjacent to 3.3 million acres of wilderness where hiking, camping, & rafting opportunities abound.  We will visit and enjoy a number of the nearby spots and you will have plenty of time to check out others on your own.  The air & water are still clean and there is no pesticide spraying.  The people are friendly & consist of ranchers, miners, retirees, & alternative-minded folks who all manage to get along in spite of radically differing views on a range subjects. Employment is limited.  A vehicle is helpful.  We create our own entertainment.

Desert Woman Botanicals is a small but growing business.  It requires hard work but it's also fun being outside in a beautiful locale with a wonderful climate.  We often have help from neighbors, friends, volunteers, and community work parties.  The plants themselves make it a special experience. The views of the mountains are among the best.

Your training will parallel the schedule and requirements of DWB's daily activities with flexibility to accommodate individual learning needs. Specifically, in the late winter we will be in preparation for spring planting.   We will be preparing various potted herbs for transplanting into our demonstration and produce gardens.  In this phase you will become well acquainted with methods and procedures in the greenhouse, cold frames and cloches, preparation of potting mix, germination techniques, temperature maintenance, watering, transplanting to pots and into the field, and specific requirements, characteristics and properties of the various plants.

During spring & summer, we will be spending more time in the gardens.  Our work will include increasing soil fertility via compost and amendments, turning in cover crops, preparation of rows and irrigation ditches, transplanting, direct seeding, monitoring plant growth, foliar feeding, weeding & cultivation, dealing with insects & disease, watering and general care and feeding.  We will address the issues of crop rotation, complimentary planting and location, soil testing, and organic techniques, and certification.

As summer begins to fade, the focus will shift to harvesting, drying and/or storage of herbs and making products.  In addition, we will be harvesting, drying, cleaning, and storing seed for future use.  This is a wonderful time as we will be eating almost exclusively from our garden.  We will be gathering, drying, canning, and storing fresh food for home use.  From time to time we will do a limited amount of wildcrafting.  You will be able to get additional information and hands on experience with other local herbalists.

In the late summer and fall, I will conduct a series of classes that are open to the public on herb cultivation, seed saving, organic gardening, root digging, and herb walks for plant identification which you will participate and assist in.  These classes are given here at DWB but some may be in other locales.  The fall also marks an increase in the preparation of herbal products.  You will be instructed in the range of methods in which herbs are processed, preserved, and stored for use in tinctures, formulas, and salves.

When harvest is complete, we will clear the fields, prepare compost heaps for the next season and plant cover crops and garlic.  We will discuss spring care and feeding of the garlic crop.

Interspersed with all else, we will also cover record keeping in all aspects of the business, including those to meet FDA requirements.  Additional special projects will include the use of poultry to control grass hoppers.

Desirable characteristics and requirements of a prospective apprentice:

The successful candidate will have at least some background and specific knowledge of the processes and methods of organic gardening.  This need not be formal or even structured training but it must reflect an evolving and keen interest in the subject.  As mentioned above you may choose several different paths when your training is completed but a serious intent to enter some related field would be a strong indicator of the value you will receive from this program.

Some requirements:

Availability - The program will run from February through November in 3 month segments.  A minimum commitment of three months is required.

Dependability - A demanding schedule requires that you arrive ready to work at agreed times, and show the initiative to follow through to completion on all assigned tasks.

Responsibility - You must be able to work independently, thoroughly and conscientiously after learning procedures.  I am always available to answer any question or assist in any task but you must be a motivated self-starter.

Capability - Agriculture is hard work! You must be willing and able to perform physical labor, sometimes strenuous labor.  This is a full time occupation and (particularly in the peak of summer) the days are literally long.  If you're not in good shape now, you will be before long!

Enthusiasm - Sorry, I meant ENTHUSIASM! A serious desire to learn and benefit from this program is a must.  It is not for those with a "well maybe, let's see..." approach to decision making.  A positive, open, tolerant, and inquisitive nature is a must. An adaptive, flexible manner and a good sense of humor are very helpful assets.  The ability to work cooperatively and confidently within our extended family while respecting and understanding others will make for a rewarding experience for all.

Tuition - The cost of the program is $1,500.00 plus tax for a three month period.  A $500 deposit is required upon acceptance and the balance upon arrival.

If this opportunity interests you, please call, respond via email, or write a letter detailing your background, education, work & life experiences, goals, and interests. I'll look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you may have.

Regards,

Monica Rude
Desert Woman Botanicals
PO Box 263
Gila, NM 88038-0263
575.535.2860