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Desert Woman Botanicals is seeking dedicated, motivated, apprentices for the 2006/2007 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.
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Your training will parallel the schedule and requirements of DWB's daily activities. 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.
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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.
Financial Responsibility - The program requires a full time commitment during your training.
I would prefer that you did not need to seek outside employment. However, you will find that within
our community a number of opportunities will arise for you to pick up a few dollars here and there.
However the demands of the training and schedule must take precedence and your commitment to the program
must acknowledge this.
Tuition - The cost of the program is $1,500.00 for a three month period. A $500 deposit is
required upon acceptance and the balance upon arrival.
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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
505/535-2860
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