Esalen Institute is open! However, Highway 1 to the south is closed — please review the current travel advisory.
Learn More.

Learn more.

Due to road closures along Highway 1 to our north and south, Esalen is closed through April 11.
Esalen Institute is open! However, Highway 1 to the south is closed — please review the current travel advisory.
past workshop

Experiencing the Esalen Farm and Garden

August 11 – 15, 2025

Candice Isphording, James House, and Becca Gallagher

Have you ever wanted to learn how to grow your own food? Experience a dynamic week in the Esalen Farm and Garden and fully participate alongside our talented and experienced staff. Local food security is a major issue facing communities worldwide. It is said that there is no greater form of activism than growing one’s own food—no greater sense of connection to the land than sowing, cultivating, and harvesting from the earth that sustains us. This is the essence of SLOW food (Sustainable, Local, Organic and in respect to the Wild).

Come into a deeper relationship with and celebration of the whole process. By working directly with the Esalen Farm and Garden crew, you will experience the joys and challenges that come with making a garden thrive.

Our days together will include:

  • Hands-on experience: harvesting, composting, bed preparation, seed starting, cultivation, irrigation systems, transplanting, and other farming techniques.
  • Daily curriculum sessions: diving deeper into specific topics, with space to ask questions and have discussions.
  • Community and connection: working together to cultivate teamwork and meaningful relationships.

From a seed planted with intention, the world can change. Participate in the amazing cycles of the season in the garden. We will cultivate community with each other and be part of the magic in the fields of the Esalen Farm & Garden. You are invited to learn about organic and regenerative farming practices that embody our mission of human potential in harmony with nature. Join the legacy of this collaborative creative project, grow healthy, nutrient-rich foods, and become part of the next generation of growers, educators, and land stewards to build connected, thriving, and ever-strengthening communities.

Candice Isphording

Candice Isphording brings her passion for organic farming and farm-to-table experiences to her role as Head of Farm and Garden at Esalen, where she has cultivated a deep connection to the land starting 15 years ago.

Full Bio

James House

James House is a skilled farmer with a deep commitment to tending both land and people. His experience ranges from off-grid community management to production farming and education, where he has honed his ability to support the living world around him.

Full Bio

Becca Gallagher

Becca Gallagher has worked in the food industry for over 20 years. Her experience includes growing food and flowers on small organic production farms, teaching about food in educational farm and garden spaces, and serving food and flowers for others in the restaurant industry.

Full Bio