Growing Food"The course not only teaches a state-of-the-art, scientifically backed, strong climate resilient and ecological sound approach to designing and tending to our vegetable gardens, but also deepens an essential responsibility towards an understanding of the relationship between living soils, nutrient dense foods and traditional nourishment for each other and our communities. It became clear that it is an imperative to return to local, human scale, diversified and ecological sustainable food systems. The course 'Growing Food' is much more than a horticultural manual... |
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...Growing Food presented to me a balance of the processes behind growing a part of our own food and the physical practicality of growing food in all the expressions of organic landcare.
Because of having taken the Growing Food course, I feel I can effortlessly contribute to restoring a natural equilibrium of living according to the rhythms of Nature and the seasons. Effortless, because growing food is our innate alignment with Nature, nothing deeper and more honest."
- Sandra Wolf, Bridesville BC
.png) Gain the confidence to grow your own abundant and healthy vegetables and fruits. Whether for home or market, this comprehensive course details the ecological practices behind raising organic food.
Exploring all aspects from selecting the right varieties to seeding crops and harvesting, this course taught by experienced organic growers is suitable to all levels from hobby gardeners to budding food farmers. This online course engages students with practical and hands-on projects, and is guided by experienced professional organic gardeners. No prior education or growing experience is required, but taking either the Organic Master Gardener or Organic Horticulture Specialist course before or during this course is recommended. This Course Prepares You to:
This course integrates reading, quizzes and discussions with practical, hands-on assignments. To receive a Certificate of Completion students must contribute to online discussions and satisfactorily complete all graded assignments and quizzes. This course requires access to outdoor space to complete assignments. |
Course Details
Outline
Please read the course outline here: Growing Food Course Outline.
Time Expectations
Students can expect to dedicate 6-10 hours per week to successfully complete this course.
As well, our courses are offered in the continuing education realm and are designed so students can complete them according to their own schedule. The work is divided up into 14 weekly topics and students are expected to complete their assigned work and quizzes by the given deadlines.
Our courses do not use online meetings, so we are not using Google Meet, Zoom or other online meeting applications. If you have any questions about studying online with Gaia College please see our FAQs page
Fees
Fees: $895.00 (+tax)
Fees include:
- Comprehensive on-line educational materials
- Unlimited access to our on-line course resources, community center, including libraries, discussion forums and much more.
Payment Options
Prerequisites
There are no academic prerequisites for this course, however students must
- be proficient in English (written)
- be comfortable with current computer and internet technology, including spreadsheets and word processing programs
- have an email account capable of receiving a large number of messages for the duration of the course
- have access to high-speed internet
- have access to a computer capable of running a current version of FireFox or Chrome. Tablets and phones are not supported at this time.
It would be also very beneficial to the student to pursue the Organic Master Gardener or Organic Horticulture Specialist, either before, during or after this program.
Evaluations
There are no formal exams in this course, as the emphasis is on developing practical skills and the ability to synthesize information.
To receive a Certificate of Completion students must contribute to all on-line discussions and satisfactorily complete all assignments and quizzes.
Texts
Required Text
Required: The New Vegetable Growers Handbook. Frank Tozer. Green Man Publishing, Santa Cruz, 2013 – ISBN 978-0-9773489-9-2
Credits
This program is eligible for Continuing Education Credits (CECs) with the following:
Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA)
Pre-approved: 24 Credits
National Association of Landcare Professionals - American (NALP)
Pre-approved: 24 Credits
Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc. (MGOI)
Pre-approved: 24 Credits
Canadian Society for Organic Urban Land Care (SOUL)
Pre-approved: 6 Credits
Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)
Pre-approved: 4 Credits
This course partially satisfies the requirements of:
- Gaia College: Elective course for Diploma in Organic Land Care
- CLD designation offered through CNLA. Successful completion of the course may be used toward the achievement of the requirements for the Education component of the recertification process.
"This course has taught me to look at the whole picture and that I'm not just raising food, but caring for and managing an ecosystem."
- Don LaCroix, Organic Farmer
