Course Description
History and principles of organic production and issues of sustainability in growing horticultural crops, with an emphasis on science-based practices. Students will participate in experiential and service-learning gardening activities outside of class.
Athena Title
Organic Gardening
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in HORT 3300E
Non-Traditional Format
Course includes a service-learning project during the semester that either employs skills or knowledge learned in the course or teaches new skills or knowledge related to course objectives. Student engagement in the service-learning component will be up to 25% of overall instruction time.
Prerequisite
BIOL 1103 or BIOL 1104 or BIOL 1107 o BIOL 1108 or PBIO(BIOL) 1210 or PBIO(BIOL) 1220 or HORT 2000 or CRSS 2010-2010L
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will: 1. Learn fruit, vegetable and ornamental gardening practices using organic methods. 2. Evaluate sustainable and organic production practices based on scientific evidence. 3. Understand the history or organics and current laws, guidelines and marketing terms associated with organic food production. 4. Apply practical garden skills, such as planting and growing organic vegetables.
Topical Outline
History of organic agriculture movement USDA and other standards for organic and naturally grown food Organic matter and soil biology Composting Plant nutrition Cover crops Growing fruits and vegetables organically Organic pest management Organic landscape care Water conservation in horticulture Heirloom varieties and seed saving Current Issues: GMOs, pesticides, carbon footprint, water and energy use Variations of OG: square foot, permaculture, biodynamic