2026 Program Orientation!
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Join us on Wednesday March 18th at the Rt. 9 Library from 5-7PM
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2026 Program Orientation! 〰️ Join us on Wednesday March 18th at the Rt. 9 Library from 5-7PM 〰️
New Ground Growers Series
“A Pathway to Urban Farming in Delaware”
A FREE, flexible, and accessible training for urban/community growers of all styles and scales to increase local food production. This program is designed for participants to craft their own journey to build their experience and education with three different ways to participate (see below). Through a combination of events and assignments participants will learn about topics from the primary aspects of urban growing: planning, planting, tending, processing, marketing, and managing.
Our program features three different formats for our classes
Virtual Panel Webinars
Evening Workshops
Saturday Volunteer Sessions
And a bonus Full Day Field Trip!
View the 2025 Program Schedule for an example schedule
Participants will also have opportunities to apply previous experiences for credit and to complete individual learning exercises when in-person attendance is not possible.
If you have any questions, please reach at to Madison Walter at madison.walter@delaware.gov
Three Ways to Participate:
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Community/Urban Gardener Track
This track is for those growing produce/farm products at the community garden or home garden scale. It is also ideal for those individuals who are interested in improving their skill for volunteering at an urban farm or community garden. Topics in this track include: Seed Starting, Planting Tending, Land Access, Finding Urban Ag Resources, Social Media and Outreach, Crop Planning, Container Growing, Season Extension, Integrated Pest Management, Irrigation, Soil Health and Composting, Working with Volunteers, Community Partnerships, and Regenerative Systems.
Requirements of this track include 30 hours of training (10 classes) and 12 volunteer hours at a local urban farm over the six month program
Those that complete the track will receive a certificate of course completion.
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Urban Farmer Track
This track is for those who are interested in pursuing an operation that grows produce/farm products in an urban or small scale setting with the intent to sell those items. Topics in this track include all the topics covered in the Community/Urban Gardener track PLUS: Farm Business Planning, Farm Financing, Product Licensing, CSA Models, Options for Selling Products, Preparing for Markets, Value-Added Products, Using Harvesting Equipment, and Produce Safety. This track includes 42 hours of training (14 classes) and 25 volunteer hours at a local urban farm over the six month program
Those that complete the track will receive a certificate of course completion.
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Individual Events
All are welcome to attend any of the free events offered through the program which runs April - September. Program credit will not be provided and participants are not required to submit documentation. Additionally, any participant in either track is welcome to take attend any event that falls outside of their track course work.
To help our presenters better prepare, we do ask that those interested register for the individual events using the link above.
Regardless of the level of participation, registration is REQUIRED!
Register Here for the 2026 Program
Check back in March 2026 for new Program Information!
Program Details
Here you can find more detailed description of the different class types within the NGGS program. Below, be sure to also check out some photos of the past programs.
Virtual Panel Webinars
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These virtual sessions happen periodically throughout the series to accommodate speakers and as alternatives due to adverse weather
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Topics usually focus on on farm management and administration and feature speakers for local and state agency, as well as other farm service providers.
Evening Workshops
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These 2-hour workshops happen from 5-7:00pm on Wednesdays at various local urban farms and gardens
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During these workshops, we’ll focus in on one particular topic such as: crop planning, integrated pest management, small equipment usage, and much more! Participant will then either:
gain hands-on experience working at farm site on project that align with that night’s theme
have the ability to tour and hear from a local business/organization that focuses on that workshop’s theme
Saturday Sessions
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This year our program will have two Saturday Session.
The first, in April, will be our Farm Business Bootcamp from 8-12pm and the second will be our full day capstone field trip
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The topic covered during these session will be related to the farm project that participants will be assisting with that morning. Additionally, the farmer’s might also be sharing their experiences and perspectives about some of the behind the scenes work that is required to running a small urban farm.
Frequently Asked Questions
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NGGS provides education to any adult (age 17+) Delawareans and folks in the surrounding areas.
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NGGS is an urban farmer and community gardener training program. The program is free and utilizes in-person and online formats for the course instruction and delivery.
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While there is no official deadline to register, in order the graduate in 2026 from 1 of the 2 education tracks (urban farmer or community gardener) you must register by May 31, 2026
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There are 2 ways to graduate; 1) urban farmer track 2) community garden track. Each has specific course completion requirements to follow in order to graduate. These can be found above under “Three Ways to Participate”.
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No, if you register late or register on time but do not fulfill graduation requirements, your course credits will transfer to the next season if you choose to continue the course.
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Anyone (17+ in age) can participate in ANY of the available classes and events. You may participate even if you are not registered for a graduation track. That means, that if you are simply interested in 1 or a few classes, you may participate in those for free. However, some classes have space limitations and these spaces will prioritize participants who are on a graduation track. em description
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Yes, and this is approved on a case by case basis as we aim for each participant to gain the full knowledge needed to be successful in the individual’s endeavors.
Thank you to the Coordination Commitee
Thank you our additional community partners and speakers!
