The Art and Science of Planting, Gardening and Harvesting Your Yard
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Earth Matters is the
Educational Division of
818.759.0600
This is a progressive series of 6 classes that will teach you how to create a garden from soil to harvest. In-class instruction and a hands on garden experience are both included. All classes are taught from a truly organic perspective and non-use of chemical pesticides.
Two hours per class - Course Fee - $289.00
Week 1: Composting • The soil food web • Vermi-composting
- The art of creating compost using organic matter from your garden and household.
- The soil food web and how it impacts your gardening practice.
- Worm composting as a way to use all household food waste and create nutrient rich castings.
- Creating compost and worm teas.
Week 2: Soil
- Amending and conditioning your garden soil.
- Correct soil type and conditions for plant growing.
- Use of organic fertilizers, compost, worm castings and green manures.
- On-going soil maintenance issues
Week 3: Seed starting, propagation, planting out and herb gardening.
- Plants to grow in Summer and Winter seasons
- Seed selection from seed catalogues or stores.
- Planting seeds. Correct soil conditions and temperatures for growth.
- Planting out and fertilizing young plants.
- Propagation methods and division of perennials.
- Herb gardens, plant selections and care.
Week 4: Creating a garden space • Raised planters • Soil preparation.
- Identifying design issues.
- Site selection and initial planting.
- How to create a garden space with raised planters or in ground soil beds.
- Correct initial preparation of the soil using amendments and fertilizers.
- Irrigation types and methods available.
- Correct timing of irrigation and systems maintenance.
Week 5: Maintenance of the growing garden • Organic pest control.
- Use of beneficial plants and companion planting to create a healthy garden ecosystem.
- Mid season fertilizing and mulching.
- Staking of growing plants.
- Shading.
- Thinning fruit when needed.
- Organic pest control
Week 6 : Garden in full production • Harvesting • Intercropping.
- Crop rotation.
- Timing of crops
- Weeding.
- End of current season soil issues.
- Harvesting your crops .
- Transitioning to new season.
- Growing next season’s green manure.
- Cleaning out old bed and preparing for next season ‘s crops.
