Master Organic Gardening & Companion Planting on Small Plots from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Soil regeneration: restore depleted soil with kitchen and garden waste → create nutrient-rich compost in weeks.
Chemical-free pest control: defend your crops with homemade, eco-friendly sprays (vinegar, neem, garlic).
Bio-intensive gardening: grow 3x more food in small spaces using vertical, keyhole & sack gardening techniques.
Nutrient optimization: identify and grow the most nutrient-dense crops missing from store-bought produce.

Power plants for health: successfully cultivate superfoods and learn which foods to avoid for longevity.
Natural medicine garden: grow potent healing plants (e.g., artemisia, moringa) to boost immunity.
Year-round harvests: use cold frames & succession planting for fresh food in every season.

Soil regeneration: restore depleted soil with kitchen and garden waste → create nutrient-rich compost in weeks.
Chemical-free pest control: defend your crops with homemade, eco-friendly sprays (vinegar, neem, garlic).
Bio-intensive gardening: grow 3x more food in small spaces using vertical, keyhole & sack gardening techniques.
Nutrient optimization: identify and grow the most nutrient-dense crops missing from store-bought produce.
Power plants for health: successfully cultivate superfoods and learn which foods to avoid for longevity.
Natural medicine garden: grow potent healing plants (e.g., artemisia, moringa) to boost immunity.
Year-round harvests: use cold frames & succession planting for fresh food in every season.

Syllabus

Intro

Introduction

In this first section the student will learn about Organics for Orphans and why they offer this training. You will understand why there is such a huge benefit to growing and eating organic food.

You will learn about the reasons for treating the soil, why and how soil becomes unhealthy and what we will be teaching you over the next 43 sessions. You will also be learing about the biodiversity of things below the surface and the soil food web.

The founder of Organics for Orphans, Dale Bolton, introduces you to how the organization came into being and what the motivation to start it was.

In this lecture you will be learning about the role of bacteria in the soil, the purpose of the Rhysosphere, the most important nutrients in the soil, the noitrogen cycle and photosynthesis.

Coming soon

In this session you will learn about the specific benefits of Double Digging and also the disadvantages. You will also learn about inputs to the soil that help to make it and keep it more healthy.

In this session you will learn aout compost, a little history about where it come from originally, and be given the rationale for using compost verses chemicals for fertilization, and also just how a compost pile works and how to make a compost pile the correct way.

In this sesssion we look at the miraculous process of plant life. What each part of the plant does and the importance of plant life.

In this lesson you will learn more about the miracle of plants, particularly about the different root systems as well as seed germination and growth.

In this final lesson on the miracle of plants you will learn about what types of soil is prefered by which plants, about how to improve the soil using mulch, how to make compost tea and its usefulness in improving both the soil and the immediate effect on plants.

In this lesson you will learn the causes of diarrhea, the damaging effects on health, ways to avoid it and ways to treat it naturally.

In this section we will look at Bitters. These are herbs that are not commonly used, though some are, but are of great benefit to one's health.

In this lesson students will learn about specific bitters herbs and how they effect the body. I have added a rdownloadable resourse "seven pillars of health" which the student should find very helpful in understanding what keeps the body healthy.

In this lesson you will learn about a specific group of herbal medicines that have been researched by a German company call ANAMED. You will learn what specific herbal medicines effect which parts of the body and how to treat a variety of diseases using these medicines.

In this lesson we continue to look at ANAMED plants and their usefulness in a variety of skin treaments common in the developing world.

In this lesson you will learn about the classes of insects commonly found in gardens and their specific role whether good or bad. You also learn something about worms and their very important role in the soil.

In this lesson you will learn about minerals found in the soil, what they do and why they are important. You will also learn where they come from and which are the most important minerals for healthy soil and plants.

In this lesson you will learn about how to stay healthy yourself. There are seven pillars that are commonly accepted as important ways to stay healthy and in this session you learn all about them.

In this session you will learn to understand your own body and the amazing way it works. You will learn about all the different "systems" in the human body that have to be running properly for you to stay healthy.

In this session you will learn more about the systems of the human body. The nervous system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system and the endocrine system.

In this session you will learn a little about nutrition and what is good to put into your body. You will also learn about the role of macro nutrients and micro nutrients as well as phytochemicals.

In this session you will learn more about nutrition and in particular about the "super foods" that help prevent you from getting sick.

In this session you will learn about one particular 'superfood' called Moringa. What it contains, and where it grows best as well as its powerful effect on the immune system.

In this session you will learn about the foods that cause most of the common diseases of our modern society. You will learn about good and bad fats and the harmful effects of sugar and white food.

In this session you will learn about the immune system, how exactly it works, and why it's important to eat the kinds of foods that build and not destroy this vital system.

In this session you will learn about the importance of "green" leaves in your diet, more about phytochemicals and what they are and what they do and in what foods you are most likely to find them.

In this session you will learn about the importance of worms in the soil. Why they don't like tilled soil, what "worm tea" is and what worms do to help produce healthy soil.

In this session you will learn the specific role of different minerals in producing healthy plants. You will lean how to identify which minerals are deficient in the soil by looking at the diseased or unhealthy plants in your garden.

In this session you will learn about the definition and benefits of companion planting. You will also learn which plants to use to keep away pests and which plants have a positive effect on other plants.

In this session you will learn the difference between annual, biennial and perennial pants and how to define each of these.

In this session you will learn the simple steps needed to creation of an effective community group which you will be able to work with to create community gardens. Some do's and don'ts when selecting people for this group.

In this session you will learn what a living fence is, the best materials to use to make them and the benefits of living fences and how to maintain them.

In this session you will learn some very practical steps to take that will help you develop habits that will assist you to manage your time, your success and the people you are working with.

In this session you will learn some practical steps to good business management as well as some spiritual principles that will make a significant difference to your success.

In this session you will learn what diabetes is, what lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the risk, and what foods you can eat or avoid eating to prevent and cure it.

In this session you will learn about keyhole gardens, what is good about them, how to make them as well as making sack gardens.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores bio-intensive gardening techniques, which can help learners maximize yields in small spaces, such as balconies or small backyards, making it ideal for urban gardeners

Teaches companion planting and natural pest control methods, which are useful for gardeners looking to avoid synthetic pesticides and promote biodiversity in their gardens

Covers soil regeneration techniques using kitchen and garden waste, which is helpful for learners interested in sustainable gardening practices and reducing their environmental impact

Discusses growing medicinal plants like turmeric and moringa, which may appeal to learners interested in natural remedies and enhancing their immunity through homegrown herbs

Includes information about ANAMED plants and their usefulness in treating skin conditions, which may not align with conventional medical advice and should be approached with caution

Explores the role of specific minerals in producing healthy plants and identifying deficiencies, which is valuable for gardeners seeking to optimize plant health through soil amendments

Reviews summary

Organic gardening & companion planting basics

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in organic gardening and companion planting, particularly valuable for those working with small spaces. Students appreciate the practical techniques taught, such as composting and bio-intensive methods. However, some learners note the course covers a very broad range of topics, extending into health, nutrition, and business, which might not be relevant for everyone seeking purely gardening knowledge. Overall, it's considered helpful for beginners, providing actionable steps to start growing food organically and sustainably.

Covers topics beyond just gardening.

"While the gardening parts were great, the lessons on health, diet, and business management felt a bit off-topic..."

"I wasn't expecting so much content on medicinal plants and human health systems..."

"Some modules were less relevant to the core gardening focus than I anticipated."

Valuable information on nutrition/health.

"Unexpectedly found the health and nutrition information very valuable for my lifestyle."

"The section on medicinal plants was a fascinating bonus I really enjoyed."

"Appreciated the connection made between organic food and personal health."

Helpful starting point for new gardeners.

"As a complete beginner, this course gave me the confidence to start my first organic garden."

"It breaks down the concepts in a way that's easy to understand for someone new."

"Provided me with the basic knowledge needed to get started with organic methods."

Offers useful methods for small spaces.

"I found the sections on composting and bio-intensive methods really practical for my small garden."

"The vertical gardening and keyhole garden ideas were fantastic and easy to implement."

"Learned great tips for maximizing yield in limited space using companion planting."

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 Master Organic Gardening & Companion Planting on Small Plots with these activities:

Review Soil Composition Basics

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Reinforce your understanding of soil composition to better grasp the course's soil regeneration techniques.

Browse courses on Soil Health

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Review the different types of soil and their properties.
Identify the key nutrients required for plant growth.
Research common soil deficiencies and how to address them.

Read 'Teaming with Microbes'

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Deepen your understanding of the soil food web, a crucial element in organic gardening and soil regeneration.

View Teaming with Microbes on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Teaming with Microbes'.
Read the book, focusing on the chapters related to composting and soil health.
Take notes on key concepts and techniques.

Start a Compost Bin

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Gain hands-on experience with composting, a core skill taught in the course for soil regeneration.

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Choose a composting method (e.g., bin, pile, tumbler).
Gather materials (e.g., kitchen scraps, yard waste).
Layer materials correctly and monitor moisture levels.
Turn the compost regularly to aerate it.

Four other activities

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Document Your Gardening Journey

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Reinforce your learning by documenting your experiences and sharing insights with others.

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Create a blog or journal to record your gardening activities.
Take photos and videos of your garden's progress.
Share your successes and challenges with the online community.

Identify Companion Plants

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Master companion planting techniques by practicing plant pairings and their benefits.

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Create a list of common garden plants.
Research companion plants for each plant on your list.
Create a chart showing beneficial plant pairings.

Read 'Gaia's Garden'

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Expand your knowledge of permaculture principles to enhance your organic gardening practices.

View Gaia's Garden on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Gaia's Garden'.
Read the book, focusing on the chapters related to permaculture design and implementation.
Consider how you can apply permaculture principles to your own garden.

Design a Companion Planting Layout

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Apply your knowledge of companion planting to create a practical garden design.

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Choose a specific garden plot or area.
Research compatible plant pairings for your chosen plants.
Create a detailed layout showing the placement of each plant.
Document the reasoning behind your plant choices.

Career center

Learners who complete Master Organic Gardening & Companion Planting on Small Plots will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Organic Farmer

An organic farmer focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, and this course directly aligns with the core principles of organic farming. The course helps equip aspiring farmers with the knowledge and techniques needed to revitalize soil, implement natural pest control, and maximize yields in small spaces, all without the use of chemicals. The course's emphasis on soil regeneration through composting and bio-intensive gardening techniques helps farmers create thriving, sustainable farms. Learning about companion planting, nutrient optimization, and growing high-nutrient crops may be particularly valuable for an organic farmer.

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Urban Farmer

Urban farmers cultivate food in urban environments, and this course is tailored to meet the unique challenges of urban agriculture, such as limited space and soil contamination. The course's emphasis on bio-intensive gardening, vertical gardening, and small-space optimization equips urban farmers with the skills to maximize yields in compact areas. The course's lessons on soil regeneration using simple kitchen and garden waste are particularly relevant, as urban farmers often need to revitalize poor-quality urban soils. The focus on natural pest control methods aligns with the need to minimize chemical use in urban settings.

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Horticulturalist

A horticulturalist applies scientific principles to cultivate plants, and this course helps one integrate organic and sustainable methods into their horticultural practices. The course's lessons on soil regeneration, bio-intensive gardening, and companion planting help horticulturalists create thriving ecosystems for their plants. Furthermore, understanding nutrient optimization and the cultivation of medicinal plants, as covered in the course, may allow a horticulturalist to expand their expertise and offer unique services. A focus on pest control without chemicals may also serve a growing segment of the market.

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Permaculture Designer

Permaculture designers create sustainable human settlements and agricultural systems by mimicking natural ecosystems, and this course provides a solid foundation in organic gardening practices that are central to permaculture. The course's detailed lessons on soil regeneration, companion planting, and bio-intensive gardening techniques help permaculture designers create highly productive and resilient gardens. The course may be especially useful due to focusing on small spaces, which are frequently a concern for permaculture projects. Learning about year-round harvests with cold frames and succession planting may further enhance a designer's toolkit.

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Community Garden Coordinator

The role of a community garden coordinator involves organizing and managing shared gardening spaces, and this course offers valuable insights into organic gardening techniques and community engagement strategies. The course's focus on soil regeneration, bio-intensive gardening, and companion planting helps coordinators create vibrant and productive community gardens. Sessions on managing small groups and creating effective community groups may be particularly useful for this role. This course provides a holistic approach, encompassing both gardening expertise and the interpersonal skills needed to foster successful community involvement.

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Herbalist

Herbalists use plants for medicinal purposes, and this course offers valuable insights into growing potent healing plants and creating natural remedies. The course's lessons on cultivating medicinal plants like turmeric and moringa, as well as its focus on natural medicine, provides herbalists with practical knowledge for sourcing and utilizing medicinal herbs. The course's teachings on natural pest control ensures that the herbs are grown without harmful chemicals. The course's comprehensive approach, covering both cultivation and the medicinal uses of plants, makes it a valuable resource.

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Environmental Educator

An environmental educator teaches others about the natural world and promotes environmental stewardship, and this course provides a practical understanding of organic gardening that can be shared with students. The course's lessons on soil regeneration, companion planting, and natural pest control provide educators with hands-on activities and demonstrations. The course's focus on high-nutrient crops and healing gardens can be incorporated into lessons on nutrition and health. The practical nature of this course allows educators to engage students in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.

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Landscape Designer

Landscape designers create aesthetically pleasing and functional outdoor spaces, and incorporating organic gardening principles can enhance the sustainability and ecological value of their designs. The course's lessons on companion planting, bio-intensive gardening, and vertical gardening may inspire designers to create beautiful, productive landscapes that benefit both people and the environment. The course's focus on soil regeneration and natural pest control promotes environmentally friendly landscaping practices. This course provides designers with the knowledge to integrate organic gardening seamlessly into their landscape designs.

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Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability consultants advise businesses and organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact, and knowledge of organic gardening practices is valuable for promoting sustainable food systems. The course's lessons on soil regeneration, chemical-free pest control, and nutrient optimization may inform consulting recommendations for creating sustainable gardens and reducing reliance on conventional agriculture. This course may be useful due to its holistic approach, covering both practical gardening techniques and the broader principles of sustainability.

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Nutritionist

Nutritionists advise individuals and communities on healthy eating habits, and understanding how to grow nutrient-rich foods organically can enhance their recommendations. The course's emphasis on nutrient optimization, high-nutrient crops, and the cultivation of superfoods helps nutritionists advise clients on incorporating home-grown, healthy produce into their diets. The course's lessons on foods to avoid for longevity may also be valuable for promoting overall health and wellness. The practical knowledge gained from this course can help nutritionists provide more comprehensive and personalized dietary advice.

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Food Security Advocate

Food security advocates work to ensure that everyone has access to safe, nutritious food, and this course provides a practical understanding of how to grow food sustainably in small spaces. The course's emphasis on bio-intensive gardening, nutrient optimization, and year-round harvests equips advocates with strategies for addressing food insecurity in communities with limited resources. The course's lessons on soil regeneration and natural pest control promote sustainable agricultural practices that enhance food security. By understanding the principles of organic gardening, food security advocates can empower communities to grow their own food and improve their access to nutritious meals.

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Plant Nursery Manager

Plant nursery managers oversee the operations of plant nurseries, and incorporating organic gardening practices can enhance the quality and marketability of their plants. The course's lessons on soil regeneration, companion planting, and nutrient optimization may help managers improve plant health and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The course's focus on high-nutrient crops and healing gardens can inform the selection of plants offered at the nursery. This course may be useful due to its comprehensive coverage of organic gardening techniques.

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Garden Store Retailer

A garden store retailer benefits from understanding organic gardening, allowing them to better advise customers and stock relevant products. This course may provide insights into soil regeneration, natural pest control, and companion planting, enabling the retailer to offer informed recommendations and products. A focus on bio-intensive gardening and small-space optimization can appeal to urban gardeners. The retailer may find the knowledge of high-nutrient crops and healing gardens useful for catering to health-conscious customers.

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Sustainable Agriculture Researcher

Sustainable agriculture researchers investigate methods to improve farming practices while minimizing environmental impact, and this course introduces key concepts in organic gardening that can inform research projects. The course's focus on soil regeneration, bio-intensive gardening, and natural pest control may provide valuable background knowledge for researchers studying sustainable agricultural techniques. The course's lessons on nutrient optimization and high-nutrient crops could inspire research into improving the nutritional content of food crops. While this course may not provide the depth of knowledge required for advanced research, it still can serve as a useful introduction for students or professionals entering the field.

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Food Blogger

Food bloggers create content about food, recipes, and cooking, and knowledge of organic gardening can add a unique dimension to their blog. The course's lessons on growing high-nutrient crops and healing gardens can inspire blog posts about incorporating home-grown produce into healthy recipes. The course's focus on soil regeneration and natural pest control can be incorporated into articles about sustainable food practices. By understanding the principles of organic gardening, food bloggers can create engaging and informative content for their audience. A food blogger might incorporate this knowledge into recipes, or discuss the journey from growing the plants to preparing meals.

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Master Organic Gardening & Companion Planting on Small Plots

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Organic gardening & companion planting basics

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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