Course Description
History and principles of organic food production and issues of sustainability in growing horticultural crops, with an emphasis on science-based practices for the gardener and small farmer.
Athena Title
Organic Gardening
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in HORT 3300S
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Prerequisite
BIOL 1103 or BIOL 1103E or BIOL 1103H or BIOL 1104 or BIOL 1104H or BIOL 1107 or BIOL 1107H or BIOL 1107E or BIOL 1108 or BIOL 1108H or PBIO 1210 or PBIO 1220 or HORT 2000 or CRSS 2010-2010L
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will: 1. Learn fruit, vegetable, and herb 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. Demonstrate their knowledge of organic gardening practices, such as soil amending, 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 use Variations of OG: square foot, permaculture, biodynamic
Syllabus
Public CV