Grow Getters is a year-long program that provides hands-on training and mentorship with the goal to train and prepare the next generation of urban farmers.
Aspiring farmers will receive ample training and mentorship for sustainable future farming practices and, as a result, strengthen Indianapolis’ local food systems. The program also provides hands-on farm job training, land access, equipment, mentoring, and new business development assistance.
The Grow Getters program brings to life Growing Places Indy’s vision to create a more just and equitable food system by offering needed resources to aspiring urban farmers. Our Grow Getters have learned a lot throughout the year, and we are so excited to see their farm journey!
Hear first-hand from some of our Grow Getters about their experiences!
Aubrey Whiteman
Q: How long have you been in Grow Getters and what was your experience like during the program?
A: I’ve been a part of the Grow Getters program for a little under a year now. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience and can honestly say that I have learned so much about what it means to be a sustainable urban grower.
Q: What will you be doing moving forward?
A: I am looking forward to co-managing our White River location with a few of my fellow Grow Getters this upcoming summer. I can’t wait to put my new skills to the test!
Hannah Cait
Q: Why did you decide to get involved in the program?
A: My interest in the Growing Places Grow Getters program began out of a desire to transition into agriculture work full-time.
Q: What are your favorite parts of the program?
A: I really enjoyed visiting local farms in Indiana and seeing the different approaches to permaculture farming. Meeting with farmers and asking questions on the day-to-day management, hearing the variety of problems they’ve faced and the route to their solutions has been more than invaluable.
Q: What will you be doing moving forward?
A: Moving forward I am looking to finance or lease land to farm full time, depending upon where I relocate in the next 1-3 years. This next season I’ll be farming at White River State Park with a few other apprentices and joining the Growing Places Food Hub.
Q: Would you recommend the program, and why?
A: I’d definitely recommend the program to anyone interested in regenerative farming, food justice, and sustainability.
Shalise Lee
Q: How has Grow Getters helped you?
A: So in the beginning of Grow Getters, I was a virgin grower who hadn’t grown anything. Through Grow Getters, I’ve been able to connect with the community by donating 50% of vegetables I helped grow… Grow Getters really helped me with my mental health.
Q: What will you be doing moving forward?
A: After this, I will be farming on a half acre in the spring and inviting people from the community to assist and learn how to grow food. I want to try and focus on the mental health benefits of farming, like connecting with nature. I’ve started a company called Heal, Sow, Grow, which focuses on connecting people with nature and improving mental health through gardening.
Apply to be a Grow Getter for the 2022 season! Click here to apply.
Applications will close on April 30, 2022.
