Vegetable Gardening: How to Grow Healthy, Fresh Food at Home from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objective

Grow delicious and healthy vegetables in any size garden. garden design, soil preparation, plant selection, pest and disease control, and harvesting are covered step by step and in detail. includes master gardener tips useful for both beginning and more advanced gardeners.

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome! This lecture will review the goals of the course as well as its structure, content, and resources.

Teena Spindler, a Master Gardener in Orange County, California, has a lifelong passion for gardening which she shares through how-to gardening videos for a national gardening products company, newspaper and gardening blog articles, public speaking, and creating teaching gardens and gardening classes for the public.

Understand the what, why, and how to get started on your edible garden.

Let's start by talking about what, why and how to get started on your Edible Garden!

This lecture reviews the tools, supplies, and informational resources you need to get started on your Edible Garden.

Edible gardens provide fresh, healthy fruits and veggies throughout your growing season and can be as small as a single pot on a balcony or as large as you want. This lecture discusses a variety of options for creating your edible garden.

Get excited as we discuss all the reasons you'll want to get your edible garden growing!

Choose a site, choose the components of the garden, and draw a site plan.

The first step in getting your edible garden started is choosing a site and planning the layout. This section describes the process step by step.

Edible gardens can be established almost anywhere there is sun and access to water. From apartment balconies to large yards, learn how to evaluate your site when planning your edible garden.

Gardening in containers is a great option for small areas, if you have poor soil, or don't like to dig!

Learn why raised beds are a great choice for growing edibles. Advantages of using raised beds and types of raised beds are covered.

The advantages and disadvantages of growing directly in the ground in your native soil is discussed along with strategies to ensure successful in ground gardens.

Specialty growing techniques such as vertical gardens and espaliered fruit trees are discussed in this lecture. Also reviewed is the use of garden structures such as patio covers, trellises, arbors, and greenhouses to grow edibles.

This lecture provides a step by step process to create a layout for your edible garden which will result in a scale drawing to use in installing the garden.

To review what you learned in Section 3: Site Selection and Planning

Prepare soil and choose fertilizers to provide great growing conditions for your fruits and veggies.

Soil preparation is the most important step in ensuring a successful, healthy edible garden. This section discusses types of soil, soil amendments, fertilizers and how to prepare your soil to get a great growing environment for your edibles.

The first step to getting great soil is to know what type of soil is in your garden. See the Resources tab for downloadable handouts: 'Soil Basics' and 'Know Your Soil'.

This lecture will describe the different types of soil amendments that can be added when preparing the soil for planting, and which ones to use under what conditions. See the Resources tab for downloadable handouts: 'Ten Tips for Soil' and 'Soil Amendments-What's in that Bag?'

It is very rare for soil to naturally contain an adequate amount of nutrients for healthy plant growth. Fertilizers are added to soil at the time of planting and during the growing season. This lecture will discuss the nutrients needed for plant growth and fertilizer options.

Soil preparation is the key to successful edible gardens. Soil with the right mixture of minerals, organic material, nutrients, air and water will result in healthy, productive plants. Let's start digging!

To review what you learned in Section 4: Soil Preparation

Choose herbs, veggies, and fruits appropriate for the season, geographic location, and growing conditions.

Choosing plants is the fun part of creating your garden! In this section we'll discuss your garden zone and when to plant herbs, vegetables and fruit.

Where you live and when you get frost determines when you can plant cool and warm season vegetables. In this lecture, we'll determine your garden zone, first and last frost dates, and which veggies to plant when.

This lecture discusses annual and perennial herbs and their uses. See Resources section for a downloadable Culinary Herbs reference sheet, and a link to a 'how to' video on creating an herb garden in a single pot.

So many veggie choices! This lecture will discuss cool vs. warm season veggies, plant families and crop rotation. See the Resources for downloadable handouts on 'Vegetable Garden Basics', 'Tomatoes in the Home Garden', and a vegetable 'Planting Guide'.

Including fruit in edible gardens is possible for any size garden. This lecture reviews types of fruit and growing strategies from berries to fruit trees. See Resources for a downloadable Fruit Cultivation Guide and links to Backyard Fruit videos.

To review what you learned in Section 5: Choosing Plants

To properly plant seeds, seedlings, fruit trees and shrubs for healthy plant growth and production of fruits and veggies.

In this section we'll cover planting seeds in containers and in the ground, planting seedlings, and planting shrubs and trees.

Planting seeds indoors in containers can give you a jump on the season. Join me in the garden as I demonstrate planting seeds in containers.

Some seeds do better planted directly in the ground where they are to grow. Join me in the garden as I demonstrate direct seed sowing in the ground.

This in the garden video demonstrates planting purchased or home grown seedlings from their containers into the garden.

This lecture shows the step by step process of properly planting a shrub or fruit tree into the garden.

Test your knowledge of planting seeds, seedlings, and fruit trees and shrubs.

Promote healthy plant growth and control pests and disease.

Great job preparing your soil and planting your plants! This section will discuss how to get those plants to grow and give you a great harvest through proper irrigation, mulching, weeding and controlling pests and diseases.

Water is the life blood of your edible garden. This lecture discusses pros and cons of various irrigation methods. Click on the Resources tab for Ten Tips on Watering, a video on 'Making a Rain Barrel', and a link to more info on Drip Irrigation.

Mulching is one of the best things you can do for your garden. This lecture tells you why, what material to use and how to apply mulch.

This lecture discusses why weeding, the least favorite garden chore, is critical to edible plant health and growth and provides strategies for keeping weeds away.

This lecture discusses pest control by practicing 'Integrated Pest Management' or 'IPM', a safe and effective way of controlling pests with minimal use of pesticides.

This lecture discusses how to prevent and control plant diseases in your garden.

Review what you learned about irrigation, weeding, mulching, pest and disease control.

Harvest fruits and veggies at the appropriate stage of ripeness and store in a manner to preserve freshness and flavor.

Hurray! You have great fresh food to harvest from your garden! The last two lectures provide tips for harvesting and storing your yummy, healthy fruits and veggies! Also refer to the external resources for more information on storing, preserving and enjoying your produce.

Harvesting tips and storage strategies are discussed in this lecture so you can enjoy the fruits (and veggies!) of your labors.

Use these storage tips to keep your fruits and veggies fresh and tasty.

Harvesting and Storage

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills in all aspects of starting and maintaining a growing edible garden

Taught by Teena Spindler, a Master Gardener with a passion for teaching others how to grow their own food

Provides practical tips and strategies for setting up and maintaining a thriving garden

Includes downloadable materials to supplement learning

Suitable for both beginners and more experienced gardeners

Reviews summary

Comprehensive and deepens knowledge

Learners say that this course is really useful, especially for deepening their knowledge of growing vegetables. According to students, this course is well explained and covers everything related to the topic.

Well explained

"It covers everything and is well explained."

Covers everything related to vegetable gardening

"It covers everything and is well explained."

"This course is really useful."

"I've filled in a lot of the gaps, and also deepened my knowledge of things I already knew about."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Vegetable Gardening: How to Grow Healthy, Fresh Food at Home with these activities:

Create a garden plan and layout.

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Get practical experience with what you've learned so far for planning your garden layout and design.

Browse courses on Garden Design

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Measure your gardening space.
Create a scale drawing of your space.
Research and select plants, shrubs and trees.
Design a layout for your garden to include walkways and any structures.
Map out location of each plant on the scale drawing.

Watch 3 tutorials on raised bed gardening.

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Raise your gardening knowledge and skill level by learning from experts who have practical experience.

Browse courses on Raised Bed Gardening

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Search for tutorials on YouTube or other video platforms.
Select tutorials that cover raised bed design, construction, and maintenance.
Watch the tutorials, take notes, and ask questions.

Build a raised bed garden.

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Practice the skills and knowledge gained in this course by creating a raised bed garden structure.

Browse courses on Raised Bed Gardening

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Gather materials for the raised bed (wood, screws, stakes).
Cut the wood pieces.
Assemble the raised bed frame.
Prepare the site for the raised bed.
Fill the raised bed with soil and compost.

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Career center

Learners who complete Vegetable Gardening: How to Grow Healthy, Fresh Food at Home will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Gardener

Gardeners maximize the growth of plants that humans can consume. Whether working on a small personal garden or as part of a large team in a commercial facility, assuming this role will help you build a foundation to grow produce for consumption. This course, which covers everything from garden design to harvest strategies, will provide essential background knowledge that will be helpful for anyone who wants to enter this career field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Gardener

Farmer

Overseeing acres of land dedicated to the cultivation of crops, farmers work to feed communities. They oversee every stage of the farming process, from preparing the soil and growing plants from seeds to harvesting crops and distributing produce to stores and consumers. Enrollment in this course will help you build a foundation in soil preparation, plant selection, and how to control weeds, pests, and diseases, all of which are essential for farming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Farmer

Agricultural and Food Scientist

Agricultural and food scientists research and develop processes to improve the efficiency and safety of the nation's food supply. They work to address issues such as food safety, food security, and agricultural sustainability. This course provides a foundation in the basics of plant biology and plant health, which are essential for anyone who wants to enter this career field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural and Food Scientist

Horticulturist

Horticulturists study and work with plants. They breed plants, work on developing new varieties, and conduct research on plant growth, diseases, and other topics. This course provides a foundation in the basics of plant biology and plant health, which are essential for anyone who wants to enter this career field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Horticulturist

Landscape Architect

Landscape architects design outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, and green roofs. The goal of landscape architecture is to create beautiful and functional spaces that are also environmentally sustainable. This course provides a foundation in the basics of landscape design, which is essential for anyone who wants to enter this career field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Soil Scientist

Soil scientists study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. They work to improve soil quality and to develop sustainable soil management practices. This course has a section on the preparation of soils for planting, which can provide essential background knowledge for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Soil Scientist

Arborist

Arborists are tree care specialists who plant, maintain, and remove trees. They also diagnose and treat tree diseases and pests. This course has a section on fruit tree growing strategies and tips for maintaining the health of fruit trees.

See salaries and explore the career path for Arborist

Green Roofer

Green roofers are specialized in installing and maintaining plant life on rooftops. Green roofs have many benefits, including reducing energy costs, improving air quality, and providing habitat for wildlife. This course can help you build a foundation in plant selection and maintenance, which are essential skills for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Green Roofer

Botanist

Botanists study plants and their relationship to the environment. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, government agencies, and private companies. This course has a section on the preparation of soils for planting and will provide essential background knowledge for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Botanist

Environmental Consultant

Environmental consultants help businesses and organizations comply with environmental regulations. They also develop and implement plans to reduce environmental impact. This course provides a foundation in the basics of environmental science, which is essential for anyone who wants to enter this career field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Park Ranger

Park rangers protect and manage natural and cultural resources in parks and other protected areas. They also provide educational programs and lead outdoor activities. This course can help you build a foundation in the basics of ecology and conservation, which are essential for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Park Ranger

Teacher

Teachers develop and implement lesson plans to educate students in a variety of subjects. They work with students of all ages, from preschool to college. This course can help you build a foundation in the basics of plant biology and plant health, which can be helpful for teaching science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Chef

Chefs prepare and cook food in restaurants and other food service establishments. They may also develop new recipes and menus. This course has a section on harvesting and storage, which will provide essential background knowledge for this role.

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Dietitian

Dietitians help people make healthy food choices. They work with individuals, families, and groups to develop personalized nutrition plans. This course has a section on the harvesting and storage of fruits and veggies, which will provide essential background knowledge for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dietitian

Food Writer

Food writers write about food and food-related topics for a variety of publications, including magazines, newspapers, and websites. This course may be useful for anyone who wants to write about home gardening and healthy eating.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Writer