Tips For WWOOFers

1. Don't expect to learn about organic farming while WWOOFing the way you would in a workshop or a course. Things on the farm are regulated to what the farmer needs and little attention (if any) will be paid to the gaps in knowledge you were hoping to fill. This doesn't mean you won't learn anything but it's not going to be one large seminar.


2. Pick your hosts carefully. Read all the info about them on the WWOOF site and then Google them to see if anyone has blogged about their experience or to see if they have a blog. You want to make sure that the work you'll be doing is the type of work you want to be doing and that the living situation is acceptable.


3. Prepare to be confused. I'm not sure how to actually prepare for this. (it's like when people tell you to expect the unexpected — is that even possible?) All I can say is that I felt like an idiot, and very often. I was treated as if I had no understanding of how to do the most basic things. I'm not sure you can prepare for this, just know it's likely to happen.


4. Contact the hosts early. The earlier you can contact your hosts the more likely they'll have space for you. Some hosts are more popular than others and they've got a steady stream of WWOOFers lined up. Contacting your hosts early will also allow for better travel planning. You'll have time to arrange your WWOOFing around your travel instead of the other way around.


5. Leave a day or two between hosts. I arrived a day late to one farm because I didn't leave enough travel time. I didn't know that the local bus would stop service so early and had to stay in a hotel over night before continuing my journey. Leaving a day or so between WWOOFing engagements will allow you to keep your word as to when you'll arrive and it will allow you to rest if you're tired.


6. Ask more details. Ask what work you'll be doing, where you'll be sleeping, where and with whom you'll be eating. It's better to know too much than too little. And if your potential host get's upset because you're asking too many questions, it's probably not a place you want to stay...


7. If there are two of you, take two laptops -- or two iPads if you prefer. Don't think you'll save some weight, share one device and both of you will be happy with that arrangement. Even if you've known each other for a long time, even if you are married, you'll get tired of waiting for your turn.