The Science of Organic Gardening for Teachers

In this Science of Organic Gardening for Teachers course, students will apply theory and organic gardening concepts in the creation of an inviting garden space for young children. They will discuss the physiology, structure, components, and cultural ecology of plants. Within individual, small group, and whole class work, students will engage with organic gardening from a sociocultural perspective, including historical vistas and modern implications of traditional indigenous gardening. They will develop an understanding of the two basic tenets of organic gardening: substantial diversity in pest control to reduce the use of pesticides and providing as much fertility with local sources of nutrients rather than purchased fertilizers. Students will engage with the scientific basis and cultural knowledge for companion planting, examining three kinds of plant interactions (chemical, physical, and biological). They will engage with social and environmental issues in agriculture.