Manhattan ? Market gardening can help nonfarmers get into the business of being a grower and help traditional farmers diversify.

To help both groups learn what’s involved, the Kansas-Missouri Growing Growers program is offering a one-day short course Jan. 8 for beginning vegetable growers. It’s scheduled to run in conjunction with the 2005 Great Plains Vegetable Conference & Trade Show in St. Joseph, Mo., Jan. 7-8.

“This introductory course on market gardening is the kickoff for the second year of the Growing Growers program,” said Ted Carey, program coordinator and an Olathe-based Kansas State University Research and Extension horticulturist. “It’s aimed at providing a detailed overview to anyone interested in making a living by growing vegetables for selling locally.”

On Jan. 8, the morning sessions will take participants from “seed to market.” Jim Leap, operations manager for the Farm and Garden apprenticeship program, will serve as lead instructor. Kevin Loth, of Shadowbook Farm in Lincoln, Neb., will assist Leap.

The afternoon session leaders are Jerry Jost, Kansas Rural Center, and Katherine Kelly, a local grower and the Growing Growers program manager. They will explain how to manage a market garden business budget. Jost and Kelly will moderate a producer roundtable discussion, addressing the issues in “scaling up” to a professional business level.

Registration for the event is $35 before Jan. 3 and $40 thereafter, Carey said. The fee covers meals, breaks, course materials and access to the trade show.

For more information and registration materials for the short course, go to www.oznet.ksu.edu/horticulture/Upcoming_Conferences/