3101031 - Agricultural Plant Selection for Urban Gardens
Course Description
Discuss the identification of edible annual, biennial, perennial, herbaceous and woody horticultural plants. Explore a summary of crop-specific cultural practices, harvest guidelines, and potential insect and disease problems in order to gain the skills needed to grow each crop.
Urban community gardeners, co-operative associations, municipal planners and environmental advocates wishing to identify the potentials and constraints for gardens in the urban environment are well-suited participants for this course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate sustainability in the context of urban agricultural practices
- Select an optimal urban site, within the constraints imposed by the urban condition, suitable for agricultural production
- Evaluate, identify and pursue niche market options for urban agriculture
- Identify the major food producing plant families commonly found in temperate zone growing areas
- Select appropriate plant species for urban agricultural growing areas that will allow for sustainable production
- Evaluate the sustainable production characteristics of different crops
- Critically evaluate the validity of crop production information obtained from various sources
- Source seed and other propagation material for crops discussed in this course
Course Topics
- Sustainability and Urban Agriculture
- Urban Agricultural Scenarios: Backyard Greenhouse, Rooftop Gardens, Balcony Gardens, Boulevard Gardens/Brownfield Gardens, Backyard Gardens, Suburban Greenspace, Community Gardens
- Niche Markets: Finding and Developing Niche Markets for Your Urban Agricultural Produce
- Selecting Plants for Urban and Niche Markets
- Sourcing Propagation Material for Your Urban Agricultural Location
Assessment
| Assessment Item | Weight |
|---|---|
| Quizzes (6) | 55% |
| Assignments (3) | 45% |
| Total | 100% |
Please note that the course assessment is subject to change.
Sponsoring Partners
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate : Electives
Technical Requirements
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*Course details are subject to change.