🌱 FREE PUBLIC COURSE – Grow Where You Are: Vegetable Gardening for Resilience ATL R.O.O.T.S. application portal

Share

What Will You Learn?

  • This course is free and open to the public, welcoming new and aspiring gardeners of all experience levels who want to grow their own food at home. It’s an opportunity to join a citywide network of learners dedicated to sustainability, wellness, and economic empowerment. While anyone can access the course online, only qualified applicants selected through our community raffle will receive hands-on starter kits and participate in the two in-person sessions.

Course Content

Module 1: Welcome, Orientation & Garden Planning
Vegetable Gardening for Resilience Curriculum 📚 Course Description This 8-week hybrid course empowers learners to build food resilience through organic gardening, low-cost techniques, and community connection. Lessons are spaced out biweekly, allowing time to reflect, apply lessons, and build gardens between sessions. Key Notes: Audience: Atlanta Proper Residents, 18-55 Pacing: Biweekly lessons, Live sessions Week 1 and Week 16 Online Class Times: Tuesdays, 6-8PM EST Climate/Season: Planning for June – October Atlanta growing season Starter Kits: Distributed at Kickoff Event (May 30, 2025) Costs: Minimal; encourage resourcefulness Focus: Container gardening, vertical gardening, herbs/vegetables suited for Atlanta 📈 Course Structure Week 1: Live Kickoff Event Weeks 2–16: LMS distance learning (video lessons, activities, reflections) Week 16: Live Closing Event & Certificate Ceremony ✅ Weekly Components Video Lesson Downloadable PDF Tools Hands-On Activity Prompt Guest Speaker Recording or Notes Weekly Reflection Journal Uploads (photo or short response)

Module 2: Soil, Compost & Regenerative Practices
Topics: Container gardening, vertical gardening, square-foot gardening Companion planting and natural pest control Facilitator Notes: Demonstrate container and trellis setups Share DIY pest control methods Guide participants through first plantings Activity: Hands-on: Plant in containers or seed trays Reflection Prompt: What space(s) do you have to grow something new?

Module 3: Seed Starting & Transplanting
Topics: Container gardening, vertical gardening, square-foot gardening Companion planting and natural pest control Facilitator Notes: Demonstrate container and trellis setups Share DIY pest control methods Guide participants through first plantings Activity: Hands-on: Plant in containers or seed trays Reflection Prompt: What space(s) do you have to grow something new?

Module 4:Garden Care, Harvest & Preservation
Updated Module Description: In this module, you’ll learn the essentials of keeping your vegetable garden thriving—from smart watering and mulching to eco-friendly pest management. You’ll also discover how to recognize when your crops are ready to harvest and get hands-on practice with simple preservation methods to enjoy your harvest year-round.

Module 5: Beyond the Harvest – Storage, Sharing & Enjoyment
When to Harvest Leafy Greens, Herbs & Roots Basic Post-Harvest Care & Cleaning Short-Term Storage Tips Using What You Grow (Food, Teas, Medicinals) [Checklist] Harvest & Storage Log

Module 6: Grow Smarter – Advanced Growing Techniques Topics: Garden Storytelling & Teaching Others

Module 7: From Seed to Community – Involvement & Advocacy Topics: Garden-Based Business Ideas
Community outreach, seed swaps, garden clubs Hosting neighborhood garden events Facilitator Notes: Guide participants to create flyers or posts for local engagement Encourage sharing surplus or knowledge with neighbors Activity: Hands-on: Plan or promote a community garden event Reflection Prompt: What role can your garden play in your community?

Module 8: Live Celebration & Future Steps:
Topics: Showcase gardens and share stories Set long-term gardening goals and action plans Facilitator Notes: Host virtual or in-person share-out session Celebrate accomplishments and distribute certificates Activity: Hands-on: Create a seasonal plan for next planting Reflection Prompt: What did this garden grow in you?

Earn a Mastery Certificate/Become Certified!

Add this certificate to your resume to demonstrate your skills & increase your chances of getting noticed.

selected template
LCCareerCenter
LC Career Center
Strategic Learning Ecosystem Architecture

We help organizations turn workforce needs, expertise, and opportunity into practical learning systems that strengthen people, performance, and growth.

People Prepared.
Organizations Stronger.

Professional Services

Learning Ecosystem Strategy Curriculum & Learning Design Workforce Readiness & Enablement Learning Infrastructure & Operations Integrated Program Delivery

Learning & Resources

Learning Library Professional Resources — Inquire Workforce & Career Resources — Inquire Digital Portfolio Founder’s Story

Connect

Contact LC Career Center Schedule a Consultation
Follow & Connect