Meetings are held on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM.  The grow-along runs for 23 weeks.

Participants may take part fully virtually through Zoom or attend the designated in-person gatherings at Simmons University. On in-person dates, Zoom will also be available so virtual participants and out-of-state guest educators can join the group.

Grow alongside cannabis cultivator Viondy Merisma through a 23-week exploration of regenerative indoor cultivation. From Seed to Cure is rooted in Korean Natural Farming (KNF), which provides the foundation for Viondy’s own cultivation practice, while also creating space to learn from the many regenerative approaches shaping cannabis cultivation today. Rather than following a single prescribed recipe, participants will explore how different philosophies and practices can inform a living cultivation system, with an emphasis on observation, adaptability, and learning directly from the plants.

The program follows Viondy’s personal 4×4 indoor garden as a reference garden from seed through harvest, drying, curing, and reflection. Participants can grow alongside the cohort at home or follow the reference garden and participate in discussions and guest sessions. The 23-week program combines virtual sessions with designated in-person meetings at Simmons University, bringing in experienced growers and regenerative practitioners at different stages to share their methods and perspectives. As the crop develops, the plants will help shape the pace and focus of the program, creating an opportunity to learn, compare experiences, and make cultivation decisions in real time.

Throughout the grow-along, participants will:

• Follow one reference garden from seed and genetics through vegetative growth, flowering, harvest, drying, curing, and storage.
• Explore KNF, JADAM, living soil, no-till, native soil, biological fertility, microbial inputs, regenerative preparations, and other approaches to regenerative cultivation.
• Develop and improve an indoor growing environment, including lighting, airflow, temperature, humidity, VPD, fertility, soil biology, and environmental control.
• Build cultivation skills through genetics and cultivar expression, topping, pruning, training, canopy development, flowering, integrated pest management, and plant-health troubleshooting.
• Learn to recognize changes in plant health and development and understand how cultivation decisions influence later growth, flower development, aroma, resin, and overall quality.
• Explore harvest readiness, cultivar-specific harvest windows, and post-harvest practices including drying, curing, and storage.
• Compare cultivation approaches and commercially available inputs while developing the ability to evaluate and adapt practices based on observation and experience.

Scholarships are available. 

To apply for a scholarship, click here.

Registration is open rolling until closed. 

 

FORMAT

Participants have two ways to take part:

Fully Virtual: Attend the entire grow-along through Zoom.

Hybrid: Attend designated in-person meetings at Simmons University while joining virtual meetings through Zoom.

All in-person meetings will also include Zoom access, allowing participants and guest educators outside Massachusetts to remain fully involved.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Viondy Merisma, Vice President of the Board of Directors for NOFA/Mass, is a Soilsmith, cannabis cultivator, and advocate for soil health, food sovereignty, and community resilience. His work bridges regenerative agricultural practices and the cannabis community, with a focus on biological cultivation, Korean Natural Farming, soil health, and community-based education.

Viondy’s cultivation philosophy emphasizes observation and learning directly from the plant rather than relying on one fixed recipe. His approach uses KNF as a foundation while remaining open to other regenerative practices and the knowledge developed by experienced growers across different systems. With a background in youth mentorship and community organization, Viondy seeks to create learning environments where people can develop hands-on skills, build confidence, and learn from one another.

ACCESSIBILITY

In-person meetings will be held at Simmons University in an accessible classroom or meeting space. The final room and specific accessibility information will be included in the Cohort Welcome Packet. Zoom will be used for virtual participation, and captions can be enabled during online meetings.

Simmons University is located in the Fenway area in Boston. Taking public transportation is recommended. Free street parking is available, though limited, and garage parking is available at a cost. Learn more about parking and directions. 

Please contact us at events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com in advance regarding any requested accommodations so appropriate arrangements can be made.

MORE INFORMATION & FAQ

 

• Is this only for cannabis growers?
  
  No. Cannabis will be the primary crop followed throughout the grow-along, but the program is also appropriate for people interested in regenerative agriculture, soil biology, Korean Natural Farming, JADAM, living soil, biological growing systems, and plant health. Many of the principles explored throughout the program can be applied to other plants and growing environments.

• Do I need experience growing cannabis?
  No. The grow-along is designed for participants ranging from complete beginners to experienced cultivators. The different experience levels within the cohort are part of the learning process.

• Do I need my own grow setup?
  No. Participants can choose to:

• • Build an indoor grow and grow alongside the reference garden

• • Use an existing setup

• • Participate virtually or in person without maintaining plants at home

 

For those who choose to grow, equipment needs and costs will vary depending on available space, goals, and existing equipment. A detailed equipment and materials guide will be provided before the program begins.

 

Questions about setup, equipment, cost, or participation can be sent to: viondy@nofamass.dreamhosters.com

 

• How much space do I need?
  There is no single required grow-space size. Participants may use a grow tent or another appropriate designated indoor growing area. Larger spaces generally require more lighting, ventilation, environmental control, and overall investment.

• How often do we meet?
  The grow-along runs from October 7, 2026 through March 17, 2027. Meetings occur mostly every other Wednesday from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM, with a three-week holiday break between December 17 and January 7. In-person meetings are held at Simmons University with Zoom available. Virtual-only meetings are held through Zoom.

• Can I participate entirely online?
  Yes. Participants may participate virtually for the full duration of the grow-along. All in-person gatherings will also have Zoom available.

• Will there be support between meetings?
  Yes. Participants will have access to a private Signal group where the cohort can share plant updates, post photos, ask questions, compare observations, troubleshoot challenges, receive program updates, and continue conversations between meetings Participants are expected to follow community norms and may be removed for serious or repeated violations.

• What if I miss a meeting? Can I register for one session?
  Registration provides access to the entire 23-week grow-along. Attendance at every gathering is encouraged but not required. Individual sessions are not currently available for separate registration, and refunds are not provided for missed sessions.

• Will we learn how to make natural farming preparations?
  Yes. The cohort will discuss both the use and production of natural farming preparations. Participating input partners and guest practitioners will help expose the cohort to different approaches. Participants may receive donated preparations during the grow-along but will ultimately decide which preparations or commercial products they want to continue using in their own growing practice.

• How can I prepare?
  A Cohort Welcome Packet will be distributed by October 1. It will include:
  • Complete calendar
  • Session topics
  • Simmons University location information
  • Zoom information
  • Equipment and materials guide
  • Soil recommendations
  • Seed/genetics information
  • Regenerative input information
  • Signal group information
  • Community expectations
  • First-session preparation
  • Pre-cohort educational resources

 

REFUND / INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

Refunds are provided until 10 days before the first scheduled meeting, minus a 15% processing fee. No refunds are available within 10 days of the beginning of the grow-along. For complete NOFA/Mass refund and inclement weather policies, click here.

 

CAPACITY

The grow-along is intentionally limited to 20 participants. Keeping the cohort small gives participants opportunities to know one another, share observations, ask questions, troubleshoot, and develop a genuine learning community over the 23-week season.

Register ahead of time to secure your place.

QUESTIONS?

 

Registration / Event Questions – Hannah at events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com

Grow Setup / Participation Questions – Viondy Merisma at viondy@nofamass.dreamhosters.com