Grow Your Own Food

Heidi Rader

Unlock the secrets to growing your own food with our comprehensive course designed for gardeners of all levels. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a small urban space, this course will guide you through the essentials of productive and sustainable gardening.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to make a plan to grow your own food based on your space, tastes, and family size, tastes, and goals for self-sufficiency.
Basic skills needed to plant, grow, and harvest food from your garden.
You will also learn the basics of assessing your soil, fertilizing your soil, drip irrigation, and season extension techniques.

Although many of the skills you will learn in this course can be applied to gardens anywhere in the world, the examples used are from a short growing season and cool climate.
The course will focus on growing vegetables, herbs, and berries.

How to make a plan to grow your own food based on your space, tastes, and family size, tastes, and goals for self-sufficiency.
Basic skills needed to plant, grow, and harvest food from your garden.
You will also learn the basics of assessing your soil, fertilizing your soil, drip irrigation, and season extension techniques.
Although many of the skills you will learn in this course can be applied to gardens anywhere in the world, the examples used are from a short growing season and cool climate.
The course will focus on growing vegetables, herbs, and berries.

Syllabus

Week 1: Dream It!

Why grow your own food?

What can you grow where you live?

Designing your garden space

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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 Grow Your Own Food with these activities:

Review Basic Botany and Plant Biology

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Strengthen your understanding of plant biology to grasp the concepts of plant growth, nutrient uptake, and photosynthesis.

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Review basic plant anatomy (e.g., roots, stems, leaves).
Understand the processes of photosynthesis and nutrient uptake.
Learn about plant growth cycles and environmental factors that influence growth.
Identify common plant pests and diseases and their management strategies.

Attend Local Gardening Workshops

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Connect with fellow gardeners, share experiences, and learn from experts in your local gardening community.

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Research and identify upcoming gardening workshops in your area.
Register for and attend workshops that align with your interests.
Engage with other participants and share your knowledge and experiences.
Seek advice and guidance from workshop instructors.

Seed Starting and Propagation Techniques

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Master the art of seed starting and propagation to increase your plant yield and expand your garden.

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Learn about different seed starting methods (e.g., direct sowing, transplants).
Prepare seed trays or containers with the appropriate growing medium.
Sow seeds at the correct depth and spacing.
Provide optimal conditions for seed germination (e.g., temperature, light, moisture).
Practice plant propagation techniques such as cuttings, grafting, and division.

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Garden Design Plan

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Develop a comprehensive plan for your garden layout, optimizing space and maximizing productivity.

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Determine the available space and assess sunlight conditions.
Research different garden layouts and select the one that best suits your needs.
Plan the placement of vegetable beds, plants, and companion plantings.
Consider factors such as crop rotation, spacing, and water accessibility.
Create a detailed diagram or sketch of your garden design plan.

Vegetable Growing Journal

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Foster self-reflection and reinforce knowledge by documenting plant growth, observations, and insights.

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Choose a format for your journal (e.g., notebook, spreadsheet).
Record basic information for each vegetable planted (e.g., variety, planting date).
Regularly observe and record plant growth, including any unusual observations.
Note any challenges encountered and research potential solutions.
Reflect on your observations and identify areas for improvement.

Integrated Pest Management Techniques

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Enhance problem-solving skills and gain practical knowledge in managing pests without relying solely on chemicals.

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Identify the different types of pests that can affect your garden.
Learn about organic and eco-friendly pest control methods.
Implement integrated pest management strategies in your garden.
Monitor your garden regularly for signs of pests and diseases.
Evaluate the effectiveness of your pest management practices and make adjustments as needed.