Organic Soil Management Online - Start Anytime

Soil is the foundation of landscape health. Whether you grow ornamental gardens, turf or vegetables, you need to understand how soil works.

In the past we have looked at soil primarily as a "growing medium" - something lifeless and sterile. But soil is the exact opposite - it's an ecosystem, and needs to be managed as such. The greatest biodiversity on earth occurs - or should occur - in the top few inches of soil. Soil ecosystem health and plant health are inseparably linked.

Soil processes are universal, applying equally to ornamental landscapes, turf and agricultural crops. Our job is primarily one of fine-tuning.

In this intensive, professional course you will learn how to

• assess the health of your soil, and
• support the natural processes within the soil that result in plant health.

 You will also gain a deeper understanding of organic horticulture, and how you can integrate organic practices into your own.

Topics include:

• What does "organic" really mean?
• Ecological foundation of organic practice
• Health within ecosystems
• Soil ecology, biology and chemistry
• Soil / water relationship and water management
• Soil testing
• Nutritional causes of landscape health problems
• Soil systems management
• Pesticides and their effect on ecosystems
• Unintended side effects of some conventional landscape practices
• Transitioning landscapes to organic practices

 This workshop is ideal for gardeners who wish to eliminate their use of toxic chemicals:

• landscapers
• turf managers
• farmers
• experienced home gardeners

 Those who have been practicing conventional horticulture will find their practices challenged, nagging doubts exposed, questions answered they didn't even know they had, and new questions arising. Everyone will gain a deeper understanding of now nature works.

Be prepared for a paradigm shift!

The on-line version of this course integrates reading, quizzes and discussions with assignments. Everyone is welcome, no previous experience is required.

To receive a Certificate of Completion students must contribute to all on-line discussions and satisfactorily complete all assignments and quizzes.

$ 495.00

Fees include:

• Textbook (e-book)
• Comprehensive on-line educational materials
• Unlimited access to our on-line community center, including libraries, discussion forums and much more.

Payment Options

By Mail	On-line
Cheque drawn on a Canadian bank
Money order in Canadian funds

Policies

Please be sure you are familiar with our policies.

There are no academic prerequisites for this course, however students must

• be proficient in English (written)
• be comfortable with current computer and internet technology
• have an email account capable of receiving a large number of messages for the duration of the course
• have access to high-speed internet

Please note: the information in this course is an excerpt from the Organic Horticulture Specialist / Organic Master Gardener course. Students who are intending to take that course please do so, as we do not give credit towards the OHS/OMG for partial completion of the curriculum.

Student Comments

I have to tell you how much I am enjoying these classes. Up to now I've taken other courses which have covered much of the same material, but this time things are really clicking. I'm understanding more and retaining more of the information. I'm more aware of the implications of going organic not just in gardening but in other aspects of my life. It's like an epiphany. It sounds silly when I write it down, but it's made me so much more aware. Thank you.
Barb Bancroft, Vancouver

Thank you again for an awesome Organic Master Gardener Course. I feel very fortunate to be amongst the first graduating class. As I have said to you in person, the course has been life-changing for me, giving me a deeper, richer, more respectful and more aware relationship with my planet, ecosystem, and personal life.
Anne Finlay, Victoria

There are no formal exams in this course, as the emphasis is on 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.

Student Comment

Thank you so much Heide, for your advice on this matter and also for the fabulous programs you have compiled.  This course really sparked my passion for gardening/landscaping into full flame.  I look forward to meeting you one day. This course has provided me with a new way to 'dig' my work, a challenging way to look at our whole industry.  I think this "Shifting Paradigm" is timely and necessary for those of us who love and honor Mother Earth!
Valerie Deakin

Today was our first class! I'm so impressed with the course material. Lots of substance and no fluff, just the way I like it! We viewed your DVD today on pesticides and it was so clear and concise. Thank you!
Tara Qua, Gabriola Island

Required Text

Hermary, Heide, Working with Nature - Shifting Paradigms, Gaia College. Particularly designed to lead the student through the paradigm shift that is necessary before he or she is capable of truly holistic thinking.

The textbook (e-book) is included in the course fees and available at the course website, together with comprehensive on-line lessons and other resources – including on-line libraries.

Student Comment

The course has given me a larger vision: the ability to stand back and assess those practical aspects of drainage, soil structure, irrigation needs, compaction concerns, site features and utilization, plant health and landscape protection. These practical aspects must continuously be related to the ever-present consideration of nature's need to strive towards a more balanced approach.Working with nature has more meaning for me, and, I hope, for those students with whom I interact.
Laurie Hardy, College Instructor

While a number of professional societies and institutions provide continuing education credits for the classroom version of this course, we have not yet secured their commitment to extend those credits to the on-line course. In the meantime we will work with you on a case by case basis to support your application for continuing education credits.

Student Comment

I have found the program extremely helpful in operating my business. I now have a lot more knowledge and the confidence to make the right choices.
Michael Cowan, Organic Landscaper

Studying on-line is very different from learning in a face-to-face classroom setting. It may be more convenient – or for some it may be the only way they can take our courses - but it is definitely not easier.

The University of Illinois has provided some excellent pre-assessment information for potential on-line students. Please complete the online Self Evaluation:
http://www.ion.uillinois.edu/resources/tutorials/pedagogy/selfEval.asp

And please read the article entitled 'What Makes A Successful Online Student?'
http://www.ion.uillinois.edu/resources/tutorials/pedagogy/StudentProfile.asp.

If you have any doubts about your ability study independently then this course is probably not for you. Those who are able to commit themselves to this experience rest assured that our instructors are not only experts in organic horticulture, but are also experienced on-line facilitators. We will do our absolute best to ensure you have an interesting and fulfilling learning experience.

This is a time-limited, self-paced studies course

In the physical classroom setting this course is delivered over 3 days (18-20 hours), including discussions and exercises. So technically it should be possible to complete the online course over the same time period, but of course that is probably not realistic for everyone!  So we allow you 5 months to complete your studies at your own pace and receive a Certificate of Completion.

Even in this self-paced format you will have an interactive online “virtual classroom” which includes the potential for group interaction in structured discussions, but we cannot predict how many students will be studying at the same time. Of course the instructor is always available to answer questions and provide guidance.

And like all other Gaia College students, after your course is finished you will retain access to the vast learning resources available from our campus community center, including libraries and discussion forums.