Crabtree Farms offers the Greenhouse Workshare program as an opportunity to learn the many aspects of working in a plant nursery at a sustainable, community farm while earning fresh produce and plants.

For drop-in volunteer opportunities, please visit this link and click on "Greenhouse Volunteer": https://crabtreefarms.volunteerlocal.com

Greenhouse Workshares will gain experience in annual and perennial plant propagation, soil mix preparation, watering techniques, mother plant gardening, greenhouse infrastructure maintenance, and more. Working alongside the greenhouse staff and fellow volunteers, Workshares will learn by doing and sharing information and knowledge. In exchange for a weekly commitment of three hours, a Workshare receives a farm produce bag twice monthly*.

Acceptance into the program is based on availability, willingness to work hard, and interest in a collaborative learning environment. Workshares are important and valued members of the Greenhouse team. If you have questions, please contact our Greenhouse Assistant, Sarah Wiatrek, at swiatrek@crabtreefarms.org.

Shifts & Schedules

The year is divided into 4 sessions (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter). Workshares are welcome to join at any time during a session but must commit to a weekly 3-hour shift and must sign in to each shift in order to receive credit for their hours. We allow 2 missed shifts per session. Missing more than 2 shifts requires the participant to work a make-up shift or move into a regular volunteer position.

Summer 2025: June 2 - August 28 (watering, up-potting and repotting, pest management, seeding, cuttings)

Fall 2025: September 1 - November 27 (preparing for the Fall Plant Sale: soil making, pricking, up-potting, prepping plant sale area and beautification, mother garden tending)

Winter 2025*: January 13 - February 27 (various plant care and maintenance, infrastructure)

Spring 2025: March 3 - May 29 (preparing for the Spring Plant Sale: cuttings, seeding, soil making, pricking, up-potting, prepping plant sale area and beautification, mother garden tending)

Workshare Compensation 

● All Workshares will receive a bag of seasonal produce every other week.

*Because produce availability varies during the winter season, alternative compensation may be provided to Workshares. We thank you for your flexibility.

Hours 

● The greenhouse staff requires a consistent commitment set for a certain day of the week  (i.e. every Wednesday from 9am-12pm). Each day’s tasks are planned based upon how many workers we have; therefore, randomly showing up to a Workshare shift is not  acceptable. Crabtree staff is not inflexible, however, and will work with individuals to adjust for illness, family, vacation, etc. 

● Greenhouse Workshares are scheduled on Monday - Thursday beginning at 9:00 am. 

● If the arrangement becomes unsatisfactory at any time, the contract may be terminated by either party.

Tracking Hours 

To track hours, a Workshare must sign in for each visit using VolunteerLocal. There is a Greenhouse Workshare QR code in the barn to sign-in digitally.

Greenhouse Workshare Terms & Conditions 

● Persons 16 years and older may qualify for the workshare program. 

● Workshare participants qualify as volunteers at Crabtree Farms and must attend an orientation and sign a waiver before beginning work. 

● Small children and pets are not permitted to accompany a Workshare to any shift unless  accompanied by someone else who is responsible for watching them.