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The 2026 Farm Apprenticeship is opening soon! If you are interested in the 2026 Farm Apprenticeship, add your email to the waitlist to be updated when the program opens.

2026 Herb Farmer Apprenticeship

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity for a hands on learning experience? Taught by Matt from Mayernik Kitchen, this unique opportunity to a small group of 14 individuals is being offered. The apprenticeship will cover a full growing year, from seed to harvest. The seed to harvest program will provide hands on experience of growing over 40 different medicinal plants. Starting in late winter with planning and seed starting to harvesting and seed saving in the autumn.

What is an Herb Farmer Apprenticeship?

Mayernik Kitchen Herb Farmer Apprenticeship is a 10-month intensive apprenticeship.  The program consists of one full Saturday per month, February thru November. 

There are two groups for the apprenticeship. One is held on the 1st Saturday of each month and one on the 3rd Saturday of each month. 

Each full day takes place either in North Haledon, NJ (late winter/early spring) and Wantage, NJ (spring, summer & fall).  Each day will span from 9:30 am to 3:30 p.m. (times may vary slightly due to weather and time of year).

The program is hands on which will include planning, seed starting, planting, soil management, medicinal plant education, harvesting and seed saving.

In the early months, we will be indoors planning and getting ready for the season to begin, with plant education as well as planning out growing principals.

As the season begins, May - November, we will be outside working on the farm; planting, building soil, harvesting and so much more.

MK Farm Apprenticeship Handbook

Each apprentice will receive a printed copy of the MK Farm Apprenticeship Handbook.  A comprehensive 170-page resource that outlines the entire year long program. The handbook was created to complement your hands-on learning experience, offering detailed information, seasonal insights, and guidance you can refer to throughout the year.

Originally launched by Matt for the 2025 season, the handbook continues to grow each year as new lessons, projects, and experiences are added to enrich the program.

Mayernik Kitchen Farm Apprenticeship Handbook - open page about harvesting
Mayernik Kitchen Farm Apprenticeship Handbook - open book

Planning

  • Learn how medicinal herbs can be grown successfully in growing zone 7a
  • Learn the difference between annual and perennials and their growing cycles
  • Learn how to develop a schedule of when to start seeds indoors

 

Seed Growing

  • How to successfully grow seedlings indoors, from racks to heat sources to growing trays
  • Proper soil usage for different seeds and plants
  • Sourcing seeds and seed preparation: stratification, scarification & direct sowing
  • Proper watering techniques and tricks

Hardening / Planting

  • Moving plants from indoors to outdoors and proper hardening techniques
  • Preparing the soil beds and clearing new growing areas
  • Following weather patterns and cycles

Compost management

  • Composting basics - learning about your greens and browns
  • How to build a successful compost
  • Using the compost for soil amendments

Weed management

  • Learn about invasive weeds vs beneficial weeds
  • Learn how to successfully use landscape fabric for weed prevention
  • Learn weed identification and their medicinal uses

Harvesting

  • Learn plant cycles and when to successfully harvest
  • Learn the difference between over harvesting and proper harvesting
  • Learn how to process plants and properly store for the winter months

Seed Saving

  • Learn the basics of seed savings
  • Proper storage technique for seeds
  • Learn to determine the germination rate for saved seeds

Herbal Preparations

During the colder months, we will learn about the different herbal preparations as well as sampling those preperations.  While on the farm, we will be spending part of the day learning how to make and we will be going through the process together focusing on:

Tinctures, Salves, Teas, Hydrosols, Smoke Blends, as well as many others.

 

Online Courses (Included)

As part of the Farm Apprenticeship, you’ll receive free access to two of our on-demand Mayernik Kitchen courses:

  • Tinctures Making 101
  • Teas, Infusions & Decoctions

Both topics are also explored hands on at the farm. In early summer, you’ll take part in a tincture making workshop, the perfect time to begin as plants reach their peak for harvesting. Later in the season, our fall tea-tasting session has become a beloved tradition, as Matt guides everyone through the art of crafting and savoring herbal teas.

These online courses serve as a valuable companion to your in-person experience, helping to reinforce key principles and share even more tips and techniques you can use throughout the year.

Who is this apprenticeSHIP for?

  • Individuals that are looking to have a better understanding of medicinal herb cultivation
  • Individuals that are interested in growing their knowledge of how to grow, what to grow and how to use medicinal plants
  • Individuals that are looking for a holistic approach to planning, seeding, growing and harvesting
  • Individuals who want to learn about medicinal plants and cultivation
  • Individuals that want to be in nature and work a farm with like-minded folks

Please note: not all days are easy! Some days we will be working hands in the dirt, knees in the mud, planting, pulling, harvesting, weeding, building composts and growing a great appreciation for what it takes to run a successful herb farm. Apprentices must be able to withstand chilly weather as well as the hot sun. 

Where Is the apprenticeship Located?

The apprenticeship will take place each month at one of two locations: North Haledon or Wantage, New Jersey.

North Haledon

The first 3 months of the apprenticeship will take place in North Haledon NJ, located in Passaic county, minutes away from William Paterson University.  With temperatures in the cold to frigid range the first few months, the initial time will provide learning about the medicinal plants, growing and usage and well as seed starting. 

 

Wantage

MK North, is located in picturesque Sussex county on the border of High Point State Park. We will be working on the land from April through November (weather permitting). You will experience the change in season along with the plants and learn how to run a herb farm.

What is the apprenticeship schedule?

There are two groups available, each group is schedule for a different Saturday of each month. Times for all scheduled classes are set at 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Anise Hyssop Group

First Saturday of each month (unless otherwise noted)

Date  
Sat Feb 07, 2026
Sat Mar 07, 2026
Sat Apr 04, 2026
Sat May 02, 2026
Sat Jun 13, 2026 (2nd Saturday)
Sat Jul 11, 2026 (2nd Saturday)
Sat Aug 01, 2026
Sat Sep 12, 2026 (2nd Saturday)
Sat Oct 03, 2026
Sat Nov 07, 2026 (Group Class)

Rue Group

Third Saturday of each month (unless otherwise noted)

Date  
Sat Feb 21, 2026
Sat Mar 21, 2026
Sat Apr 18, 2026
Sat May 16, 2026
Sat Jun 20, 2026
Sat Jul 18, 2026
Sat Aug 15, 2026
Sat Sep 19, 2026
Sat Oct 17, 2026
Sat Nov 07, 2026 (Group Class)

Rain dates 

In the event of a rain date, the class will be held the following Saturday unless otherwise noted on the schedule above. 

Difference between Groups

The only difference between the two groups are the dates in which you will attend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need for this year long program?

  • For the first few months in North Haledon, the recommended items are: water bottle, lunch and notebook
  • For the remaining months on the farm, in addition to the above, we recommend: boots or good sneakers, garden gloves, garden shears, garden shovel. Additionally items like sunscreen and bug spray are a good idea.

What type of clothing is recommended for the Farm?

Temperatures vary on the farm, from the 70's in May to the 90's in July, then back to the 50's in November.   We always recommend long pants as well as a hat.

Do I need to bring lunch?

Yes, you are responsible to bring a lunch to each class.  When in North Haledon, you will have access to a refrigerator.  While on the farm, we recommend a small cooler.

Is there bathroom access?

  • North Haledon - you will have access to a bathroom.
  • On the Farm - you will have access to a privacy tent and camping toilet.  Toilet paper and hand sanitizer will be provided.

What if I need to switch dates?

  • The first 3 classes are in North Haledon, where we have limited space available.  It is highly recommended you sign up for the group that meets your schedule. 
  • Once we are on the farm, more space allows us to be more flexible, only with open communication & advance notice. 
  • Please try to stick to your scheduled dates as this helps keep the groups even throughout the year. 

How much does it cost?

The 10-session apprenticeship total cost is $1399. Just 6 easy installments of $233.16 each. 

Pay in FULL today, and save $50 = $1349. 

 

Register Today

About the Instructor Matt

Matt is the youngest of 3 brothers, and at the age 7, he helped start the families first vegetable garden. By 12 years of age, he was in charge of the garden, especially weed removal and harvesting.  By 14, Matt was able to start seeds indoors during the winter with the use of grow lights.  At age 16, The Herb Book by John Lust helped Matt incorporate herbs into their small backyard garden. This is where Matt's love of herbs blossomed. 

Over the next 30 years, Matt educated himself on growing vegetables and medicinal herbs. Today, Matt’s garden in Northern New Jersey grows over 100 different species of vegetables, herbs and fruit annually. 

How to Register

Herbal Farm Apprenticeship Agreement

  1. 1. Assumption of Risk:

    I acknowledge that participation in the herbal farm apprenticeship involves inherent risks and that the participant assumes all associated risks willingly.

  2. 2. Commitment and Duration:

    I understand and commit to the full 10-month duration of the apprenticeship program.

    I understand the program is limited to 14 individuals and once the program begins my spot cannot be filled.

  3. 3. Physical Demands:

    I acknowledge that the work on an herbal farm can be physically demanding and requires good health and stamina.

    Be prepared for outdoor work, varying weather conditions, and manual labor associated with farming activities.

    Capable of carrying out tasks independently with minimal oversight.

  4. 4. Financial Commitment:

    I agree to meet all financial commitments for the program.

    I understand that no refunds will be provided after January 31st, 2024.

  5. 5. Transportation Responsibilities:

    I acknowledge personal responsibility for transportation to and from each class in both North Haledon and Wantage, New Jersey.

    I understand all classes will begin at 9:30 am and end between 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

Anise Hyssop Group

Sale starts on November 14, 2025 08:00 PM

Rue Group

Sale starts on November 14, 2025 08:00 PM

Refunds

The Mayernik Kitchen Farm Apprenticeship is a highly demanded program with very limited availability. Only 14 individuals will be able to register for the 10-month program.  By registering for the Mayernik Kitchen Farm Apprenticeship, you are agreeing to meet all your financial responsibility. In addition, you agree that no refunds will be provided after January 31st, 2026.