Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Thursday, May 21, 2020
ASAP Farmers Markets: AB Tech’s Main Campus
May 21 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
AB Tech's Main Campus

ASAP Farmers Market map

Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning March 21.

The market will operate for as long as necessary, possibly expanding to other locations and days of the week as opportunity and demand allows.

Market Rules

  • No customers or vendors exhibiting symptoms may enter the market.
  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance at all times.
  • One customer at a time for each vendor table.
  • Only handle product you are purchasing. Products will be pre-packaged or bunched.
  • Children, if they must attend with adult shoppers, must be closely supervised.

Anyone failing to comply with these conditions will be directed to leave the market.

Friday, May 22, 2020
12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program Organic Growers School
May 22 all-day
 Southwestern Community College

Want to farm?

12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

200+ Hours of Training


Curriculum & Schedule

Farm Beginnings® Course Schedule & Descriptions 2020-2021


Location of Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses 2020-2021

The locations for the 2020-2021 class will be at the Small Business Center at We will keep our website updated if we shift to online classes.

 

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 22 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

Virtual Volunteer — the community need is real. Hands On Asheville-Buncombe COVID-19
May 22 all-day
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe
COVID-19 VOLUNTEER RESPONSE EFFORTS
STORIES & APPRECIATION
So many of you are doing amazing things right now to help each other and our community. Volunteers are showing up in unprecedented numbers, giving their time and talents. In fact, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe has seen a 59% increase in overall volunteerism compared to this same time last year. And make no mistake, your efforts are making a difference.
We thank each and every one of you who’ve helped during this crisis. We would also like to encourage all of you to continue to volunteer — the community need is real. Please visit the Hands On Asheville-Buncombe COVID-19 page to give and get help.
https://www.handsonasheville.org/need/index/?q=&age=&agency_id=&county=&min_available_slots=&dateOn=&distance=&zip=&need_impact_area=&need_init_id=&qualification_id=&cat_id=&meta[]=&meta[]=&meta[]=virtual_need&meta[]=&allowTeams=&ug_id=&s=1
Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries and Orchard Tour
May 22 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
varies

This year Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend, from 9 am – 5 pm daily, to spread the public out over several days to avoid large crowds. The modifications to the Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will follow federal and state mandated guidelines for cleaning, social distancing and limiting crowd size.

Local and nurseries will be selling annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and hard-to-find plants. The orchards will be offering produce, jams, jellies, honey, cider and baked goods. As an added feature some of the nurseries and orchards will host a couple of craft or other garden related themed vendors at their location

A brochure will be created with a map and listing the participating Henderson County nurseries and orchards. The information will be featured on the HCTDA web site, including a downloadable version of the brochure, for easy navigation. Check the web site often for updates of businesses participating.

Go online for additional information about Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour, or call the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority at 828-693-9708 or 800-828-4244.

Sponsors – Henderson County Tourism Development Authority

Garden Jubilee Tour
May 22 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County

A New Twist on Garden Jubilee: a county-wide tour instead of Main St crowds.
We will NOT participate as a group, but you may participate with your level of conscientious caution. (smile).

The brochure/map, that is mentioned, is the following links:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-Garden-Jubilee-NurseriesOrchard-Tour.pdf
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1oJcvwJQXxO-5pnjpIAVQQLLKn5LJEhgp&ll=35.31185148226706%2C-82.49178584999999&z=12

The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s Garden Jubilee Nurseries & Orchard Tour will be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants.
For detailed info; Goto:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/garden-jubilee

Saturday, May 23, 2020
12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program Organic Growers School
May 23 all-day
 Southwestern Community College

Want to farm?

12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

200+ Hours of Training


Curriculum & Schedule

Farm Beginnings® Course Schedule & Descriptions 2020-2021


Location of Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses 2020-2021

The locations for the 2020-2021 class will be at the Small Business Center at We will keep our website updated if we shift to online classes.

 

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 23 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

Virtual Volunteer — the community need is real. Hands On Asheville-Buncombe COVID-19
May 23 all-day
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe
COVID-19 VOLUNTEER RESPONSE EFFORTS
STORIES & APPRECIATION
So many of you are doing amazing things right now to help each other and our community. Volunteers are showing up in unprecedented numbers, giving their time and talents. In fact, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe has seen a 59% increase in overall volunteerism compared to this same time last year. And make no mistake, your efforts are making a difference.
We thank each and every one of you who’ve helped during this crisis. We would also like to encourage all of you to continue to volunteer — the community need is real. Please visit the Hands On Asheville-Buncombe COVID-19 page to give and get help.
https://www.handsonasheville.org/need/index/?q=&age=&agency_id=&county=&min_available_slots=&dateOn=&distance=&zip=&need_impact_area=&need_init_id=&qualification_id=&cat_id=&meta[]=&meta[]=&meta[]=virtual_need&meta[]=&allowTeams=&ug_id=&s=1
ASAP Farmers Markets: AB Tech’s Main Campus
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
AB Tech's Main Campus

ASAP Farmers Market map

Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning March 21.

The market will operate for as long as necessary, possibly expanding to other locations and days of the week as opportunity and demand allows.

Market Rules

  • No customers or vendors exhibiting symptoms may enter the market.
  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance at all times.
  • One customer at a time for each vendor table.
  • Only handle product you are purchasing. Products will be pre-packaged or bunched.
  • Children, if they must attend with adult shoppers, must be closely supervised.

Anyone failing to comply with these conditions will be directed to leave the market.

Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition POSTPONED
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

 

This annual exhibition features award-winning roses of every color and size. Experts from the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the selection, care, and history of roses. Educational programs will be offered throughout the weekend.

Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries and Orchard Tour
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
varies

This year Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend, from 9 am – 5 pm daily, to spread the public out over several days to avoid large crowds. The modifications to the Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will follow federal and state mandated guidelines for cleaning, social distancing and limiting crowd size.

Local and nurseries will be selling annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and hard-to-find plants. The orchards will be offering produce, jams, jellies, honey, cider and baked goods. As an added feature some of the nurseries and orchards will host a couple of craft or other garden related themed vendors at their location

A brochure will be created with a map and listing the participating Henderson County nurseries and orchards. The information will be featured on the HCTDA web site, including a downloadable version of the brochure, for easy navigation. Check the web site often for updates of businesses participating.

Go online for additional information about Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour, or call the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority at 828-693-9708 or 800-828-4244.

Sponsors – Henderson County Tourism Development Authority

Garden Jubilee Tour
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County

A New Twist on Garden Jubilee: a county-wide tour instead of Main St crowds.
We will NOT participate as a group, but you may participate with your level of conscientious caution. (smile).

The brochure/map, that is mentioned, is the following links:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-Garden-Jubilee-NurseriesOrchard-Tour.pdf
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1oJcvwJQXxO-5pnjpIAVQQLLKn5LJEhgp&ll=35.31185148226706%2C-82.49178584999999&z=12

The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s Garden Jubilee Nurseries & Orchard Tour will be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants.
For detailed info; Goto:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/garden-jubilee

Blooms & Brews: The North Carolina Arboretum POSTPONED
May 23 @ 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Tip a glass to the plants that make your home, house – and beer – unique! The North Carolina Arboretum is excited to host its first annual “Blooms & Brews” floral and beer festival, which will be held on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Participants can visit various beer tasting stations, featuring botanically-influenced craft brews placed throughout the Arboretum’s gardens, create botanical wearables and attend educational programs. Visitors can also experience live floral demonstrations and exhibits, including the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society’s annual Rose Show.

Admission into Blooms & Brews is free; however, standard parking fees apply to non-members. Separate beer tasting packages can be purchased on-site.

Sunday, May 24, 2020
12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program Organic Growers School
May 24 all-day
 Southwestern Community College

Want to farm?

12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

200+ Hours of Training


Curriculum & Schedule

Farm Beginnings® Course Schedule & Descriptions 2020-2021


Location of Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses 2020-2021

The locations for the 2020-2021 class will be at the Small Business Center at We will keep our website updated if we shift to online classes.

 

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 24 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

Virtual Volunteer — the community need is real. Hands On Asheville-Buncombe COVID-19
May 24 all-day
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe
COVID-19 VOLUNTEER RESPONSE EFFORTS
STORIES & APPRECIATION
So many of you are doing amazing things right now to help each other and our community. Volunteers are showing up in unprecedented numbers, giving their time and talents. In fact, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe has seen a 59% increase in overall volunteerism compared to this same time last year. And make no mistake, your efforts are making a difference.
We thank each and every one of you who’ve helped during this crisis. We would also like to encourage all of you to continue to volunteer — the community need is real. Please visit the Hands On Asheville-Buncombe COVID-19 page to give and get help.
https://www.handsonasheville.org/need/index/?q=&age=&agency_id=&county=&min_available_slots=&dateOn=&distance=&zip=&need_impact_area=&need_init_id=&qualification_id=&cat_id=&meta[]=&meta[]=&meta[]=virtual_need&meta[]=&allowTeams=&ug_id=&s=1
Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition POSTPONED
May 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

 

This annual exhibition features award-winning roses of every color and size. Experts from the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the selection, care, and history of roses. Educational programs will be offered throughout the weekend.

Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries and Orchard Tour
May 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
varies

This year Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend, from 9 am – 5 pm daily, to spread the public out over several days to avoid large crowds. The modifications to the Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will follow federal and state mandated guidelines for cleaning, social distancing and limiting crowd size.

Local and nurseries will be selling annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and hard-to-find plants. The orchards will be offering produce, jams, jellies, honey, cider and baked goods. As an added feature some of the nurseries and orchards will host a couple of craft or other garden related themed vendors at their location

A brochure will be created with a map and listing the participating Henderson County nurseries and orchards. The information will be featured on the HCTDA web site, including a downloadable version of the brochure, for easy navigation. Check the web site often for updates of businesses participating.

Go online for additional information about Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour, or call the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority at 828-693-9708 or 800-828-4244.

Sponsors – Henderson County Tourism Development Authority

Garden Jubilee Tour
May 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County

A New Twist on Garden Jubilee: a county-wide tour instead of Main St crowds.
We will NOT participate as a group, but you may participate with your level of conscientious caution. (smile).

The brochure/map, that is mentioned, is the following links:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-Garden-Jubilee-NurseriesOrchard-Tour.pdf
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1oJcvwJQXxO-5pnjpIAVQQLLKn5LJEhgp&ll=35.31185148226706%2C-82.49178584999999&z=12

The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s Garden Jubilee Nurseries & Orchard Tour will be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants.
For detailed info; Goto:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/garden-jubilee

Blooms & Brews: The North Carolina Arboretum POSTPONED
May 24 @ 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Tip a glass to the plants that make your home, house – and beer – unique! The North Carolina Arboretum is excited to host its first annual “Blooms & Brews” floral and beer festival, which will be held on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Participants can visit various beer tasting stations, featuring botanically-influenced craft brews placed throughout the Arboretum’s gardens, create botanical wearables and attend educational programs. Visitors can also experience live floral demonstrations and exhibits, including the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society’s annual Rose Show.

Admission into Blooms & Brews is free; however, standard parking fees apply to non-members. Separate beer tasting packages can be purchased on-site.

Monday, May 25, 2020
Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries and Orchard Tour
May 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
varies

This year Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend, from 9 am – 5 pm daily, to spread the public out over several days to avoid large crowds. The modifications to the Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will follow federal and state mandated guidelines for cleaning, social distancing and limiting crowd size.

Local and nurseries will be selling annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and hard-to-find plants. The orchards will be offering produce, jams, jellies, honey, cider and baked goods. As an added feature some of the nurseries and orchards will host a couple of craft or other garden related themed vendors at their location

A brochure will be created with a map and listing the participating Henderson County nurseries and orchards. The information will be featured on the HCTDA web site, including a downloadable version of the brochure, for easy navigation. Check the web site often for updates of businesses participating.

Go online for additional information about Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour, or call the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority at 828-693-9708 or 800-828-4244.

Sponsors – Henderson County Tourism Development Authority

Garden Jubilee Tour
May 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County

A New Twist on Garden Jubilee: a county-wide tour instead of Main St crowds.
We will NOT participate as a group, but you may participate with your level of conscientious caution. (smile).

The brochure/map, that is mentioned, is the following links:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-Garden-Jubilee-NurseriesOrchard-Tour.pdf
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1oJcvwJQXxO-5pnjpIAVQQLLKn5LJEhgp&ll=35.31185148226706%2C-82.49178584999999&z=12

The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s Garden Jubilee Nurseries & Orchard Tour will be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants.
For detailed info; Goto:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/garden-jubilee

Thursday, May 28, 2020
ASAP Farmers Markets: AB Tech’s Main Campus
May 28 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
AB Tech's Main Campus

ASAP Farmers Market map

Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning March 21.

The market will operate for as long as necessary, possibly expanding to other locations and days of the week as opportunity and demand allows.

Market Rules

  • No customers or vendors exhibiting symptoms may enter the market.
  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance at all times.
  • One customer at a time for each vendor table.
  • Only handle product you are purchasing. Products will be pre-packaged or bunched.
  • Children, if they must attend with adult shoppers, must be closely supervised.

Anyone failing to comply with these conditions will be directed to leave the market.

Friday, May 29, 2020
12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program Organic Growers School
May 29 all-day
 Southwestern Community College

Want to farm?

12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

200+ Hours of Training


Curriculum & Schedule

Farm Beginnings® Course Schedule & Descriptions 2020-2021


Location of Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses 2020-2021

The locations for the 2020-2021 class will be at the Small Business Center at We will keep our website updated if we shift to online classes.

 

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 29 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

Saturday, May 30, 2020
12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program Organic Growers School
May 30 all-day
 Southwestern Community College

Want to farm?

12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

200+ Hours of Training


Curriculum & Schedule

Farm Beginnings® Course Schedule & Descriptions 2020-2021


Location of Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses 2020-2021

The locations for the 2020-2021 class will be at the Small Business Center at We will keep our website updated if we shift to online classes.

 

Application Open for Farm Beginnings 2020/2021
May 30 all-day
Organic growers School

 

Organic Growers School’s Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training is entering its sixth year offering a year long farmer training. Organic Growers School has graduated 61 farmers in the last 5 years and will graduate 76  by September 2020.  Farm Beginnings® is a 12-month training that uses a mix of farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentorship, and an extensive farmer network, tapping into the  knowledge of the most innovative & skilled farmers in Western NC. During this current pandemic, the role of farmers and how food gets to our tables has been more at the forefront of conversations. Many individuals right now are expressing interest in growing their own food and developing more self sufficiency and land based skills. If you want to farm, it has never been easy and if you want to get into farming now, it is time to do so with the right support and training on how to be adaptive and resilient, like our Farm Beginnings training.

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 30 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

ASAP Farmers Markets: AB Tech’s Main Campus
May 30 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
AB Tech's Main Campus

ASAP Farmers Market map

Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning March 21.

The market will operate for as long as necessary, possibly expanding to other locations and days of the week as opportunity and demand allows.

Market Rules

  • No customers or vendors exhibiting symptoms may enter the market.
  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance at all times.
  • One customer at a time for each vendor table.
  • Only handle product you are purchasing. Products will be pre-packaged or bunched.
  • Children, if they must attend with adult shoppers, must be closely supervised.

Anyone failing to comply with these conditions will be directed to leave the market.