Sunnyside Mtn Farm

Hello hello! Farm apprenticeship opening available for the 2015 season. Sunnyside Mtn Farm is a no-till/low till, non-certified organic market garden producing an array of veggies, herbs, strawberries, raspberries and a diversity of cut flowers for a small CSA and the local farmers’ market. Located on the Sunnyside Peninsula just outside of Sandpoint overlooking majestic Lake Pend Oreille, and nestled between the Selkirk and Cabinet Mtns. Experience preferred, but will train someone with quick learning and good observation skills. Accommodation is in a camper by the creek; food from the garden and many staples are provided. Will accept a single person or a (stable) couple. Possible to also earn money working in my landscape business on the side when available. Good work ethic, reliability, and a strong physical aspect are required. Ability to work in varying weather conditions, and to work independently is necessary. As this is a no-till garden, it is particularly labor-intensive at the start of the season (indeed vegetable production is laborious regardless of practice.) The learning process is hands-on, learning by doing, involving a wide range of vegetable crops, berries and flowers. It also involves many hours of tedious and repetitive work. Serious inquiries only. No pets. Some of the tasks involved include: Weeding, preparing garden beds, sowing seeds, watering seedlings, transplanting, mulching, shoveling, raking, amending soils, harvesting, washing and packing produce, cutting and deadheading flowers, etc. We also have goats and chickens, and may ask assistance in caring for them. Several projects are slated for this season, both for the farm as well as the homestead in general. Always plenty of homesteading tasks to do like collecting and stacking firewood and cookstove wood, planting perennials, feeding the snorkel stove hot tub to soothe working muscles, feeding the animals, collecting and washing eggs, etc. In the off hours, there is very easy access to hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, etc., with 80 acres of State Land filled with cedars adjacent to the farm. We are a 2 minute walk to the lake, and a 20 min drive to town. Your own vehicle is not required; a bicycle would be handy, however. Internet is available in our house as time allows. The town of Sandpoint is a small, liberal, artsy town with lots of activities all the time. While we will share some meals together, it is expected that you prepare the bulk of your meals on your own with the produce and staples provided (plus other foods you may wish to procure on your own.) I ask for a minimum of 4 days per week of farm labor for the apprenticeship; as the season progresses, these hours become flexible in terms of when they occur in the day (morning and evening being more favorable work conditions in the heat.) Season runs April through September/October. I look forward to sharing a gardening season filled with good work, good food, and good times! Send inquiries to: alihakala@hotmail.com In peace, Ali