Member Event: Organic Horticulture Courses
Posted: January 7, 2013
Categories: Events / Food in the News / Opportunities
Canadian Organic Growers is launching a new Organic Master Gardening course that will address sustainable land management practices, focusing on the maintenance of plants in the urban landscape. The course is designed for urban growers, community gardeners, landscapers, municipal parks personnel, environmental advocates, naturalists and conservationists. The course will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from February 5-March 2, 2013 at Evergreen Brickworks, Toronto. Pre-registration is required by January 25. Read more about the course.
This course lays the foundation for making decisions on growing plants for ornamental or food purposes based on SOUL* (Society for Organic Urban Land Care) organic standards, recognized by COG. You will gain essential skills to start or enhance your own practice or business in the rapidly growing organic land care industry.
Topics include: botany & adaptations within ecosystems, soil ecosystem, soil testing, mulches and compost teas/brews, garden bed installation, soil fertility management, waterwise gardening, pruning, turf, landscape health, Permaculture design, organic standards.
Additionally, the course is designed as preparation for the SOUL Organic Certification exam for land care professionals, which participants have up to 1 year to write after taking the course. The course also qualifies for Continuing Education Credits for industry certifications (ISA, CNLA, BCSLA, SOUL). A free information session on Organic Best Practices will also be offered in January 2013.
To register or learn more, visit the COG website about the course.
Instructor: Astrid Muschalla, PHEc Professional Organic Horticulturist
With over 20 years working on private and public lands, Astrid teaches the Organic Horticulture Specialist and Plant Knowledge – Natives courses in the Sustainable Landscape Design Program at Humber College. She’s passionate about exploring the interconnectedness of all things growing and how we can support nature’s intelligence and create healthy environments. Her gardens have been featured on Doors Open, various community garden tours, CTV’s Garden of the Month. Astrid’s worked as a design judge for Communities in Bloom. She is on the board of the Society of Organic Urban Land Care, is a member of Landscape Ontario and a Master Gardener.