Foundations of Organic Gardening

This unit introduces core organic gardening principles, hands-on techniques, and foundational soil science needed to establish and manage healthy organic landscapes. It prepares students to assess soils, plan site-appropriate gardens, and select organic fertilizers and amendments, building on introductory horticulture concepts and preparing learners for advanced production and pest-management units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze soil physical and chemical characteristics (texture, structure, pH, organic matter, nutrient levels) by performing basic soil tests and interpreting results to inform management decisions
• Apply foundational organic gardening techniques (seed starting, transplanting, mulching, irrigation management, and sanitation) correctly and safely in lab or field settings to establish and maintain organic beds
• Demonstrate the ability to develop a site-appropriate organic landscape plan that includes plant selection, bed layout, water management, crop rotation, and habitat considerations by producing a scaled sketch and written management rationale
• Evaluate and select appropriate organic fertilizers and soil-building amendments (compost, green manures, manures, and mineral amendments) and create a seasonal soil improvement plan based on soil test results and crop needs