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)
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Live Virtual Class JUNE 24th 6:30pm ONLINE SESSION
00:27
VIRTUAL CLASS CALENDAR & MEETING LINKS
Garden Starter Kit Instructions & DIY Alternatives
00:27
Small Space Gardening Setup: Grow Herbs & Vegetables Anywhere – DIY Ideas
05:31
🌱 Vision Mapping Worksheet - (Digital)
Introduction to food deserts and local food justice -Why Grow Your Own Food?” – Ron Finley (TED Talk Clip)
10:46
🌿 Why Organic Gardening Matters (and How to Start Small)
05:34
Reflection Prompt
📸 Share Your Progress — Upload Your Photos Here!
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?
0/10
Live Virtual Class 7/8/25 6:30pm
Soil basics and low-cost soil improvement
26:48
Demonstrations of composting and soil prep
06:01
Container gardening, vertical gardening, square-foot gardening
27:58
Companion planting and intro to natural pest control
18:26
Demonstration of Container and Trellis Setups
15:21
DIY pest control methods
02:07
Planting Activity Reflection Prompt
🌱 Fun Facts: Soil, Compost & Regenerative Gardening
Share Your Progress — Upload Your Photos Here!
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?
0/7
Live Virtual Class 7/22/25
Container gardening, vertical gardening, square-foot gardening What Seeds Need to Grow
09:12
Starting Seeds Indoors or Outdoors
12:50
Germination & Temperature Tips
02:59
Hardening Off Seedlings
05:18
Transplanting Safely: Step-by-Step
Hands-on: Plant in containers or seed trays Reflection Prompt: [Workbook Activity] Planting Calendar Template
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.
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LIVE CLASS
Watering, Mulching & Pest Management
09:10
Signs of ripeness and harvesting techniques
21:01
Simple produce preservation (freezing, pickling, drying):
04:51
Demonstrate harvest timing for common crops
10:23
Fermentation – Preserving & Sharing Your Harvest
48:15
Hands-On: Basic Preservation—Drying Herbs
Reflection Prompt: Hands-On: Basic Preservation—Drying Herbs
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
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Live Virtual Class
02:30
Why Harvesting Matters
09:17
Harvesting Basics – Timing & Techniques
08:08
Harvesting for Community & Market
08:07
Post-Harvest Care – Extending Shelf Life
Lesson Title: You’re Done – What’s Next?
Connecting with food banks, CSAs, and farmers markets
23:14
Brainstorming Monetization Options
18:06
Hands-On Assignment – Draft a Simple Sales or Donation Plan
08:14
Reflection Prompt- How would it feel to feed others from your garden?
Harvest Excess – Too Much of a Good Thing
Module 5 Reflection Prompts
Share Photos
Module 6: Grow Smarter – Advanced Growing Techniques Topics: Garden Storytelling & Teaching Others
0/6
Live Virtual Class 9/9/25
Succession planting, crop rotation, season extension
02:53
Composting and soil health improvement
02:36
How to plan second plantings and soil regeneration
04:30
Garden Storytelling & Teaching Others
Reflective Prompts
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?
0/8
Live Virtual Class – 9/23/25 Guest Speaker Cheryl Paswater
Map Your Local Channels (People + Places)
Host or Co-Host a Neighborhood Garden Event
13:50
Garden-Based Business Ideas (Starter Paths)
02:56
Partner with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
11:22
Communication Kit: Flyers & Social Posts (Copy Provided)
30-Day Community & Monetization Plan
Reflection Prompts
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?
🌱 FREE PUBLIC COURSE – Grow Where You Are: Vegetable Gardening for Resilience ATL R.O.O.T.S. application portal

 

No backyard? No problem. Start your own edible garden using upcycled containers and beginner-friendly plants

 

 

Materials Checklist – Recycled or Budget-Friendly

What You Need Reuse/DIY Ideas
Containers Storage totes, 5-gallon buckets, large yogurt tubs, milk crates (lined), foil roasting pans with holes
Drainage Holes Use drill, nail, or heated screwdriver to poke holes
Soil Bagged potting mix, or mix compost + coconut coir or peat moss
Seeds or Starter Plants See plant list below 👇
Watering Tool Spray bottle or juice bottle with holes poked in lid
Plant Labels Popsicle sticks, plastic forks, tape and pen
Optional Small pebbles or gravel for drainage layer

 

🥬 Easy Plants to Start in Small Containers

🌿 Herbs (Best for Small or Shallow Containers)

  • Basil

  • Cilantro

  • Mint

  • Chives

  • Parsley

  • Green onions (regrow from scraps!)

 

🥕 Easy Vegetables (Work Well in Buckets or Totes)

  • Leafy greens: spinach, arugula, kale, lettuce

  • Radishes

  • Cherry tomatoes (need sunlight + a deep container)

  • Bush beans

  • Peas

  • Carrots (in deep tubs or crates)

✅ Tip: Leafy greens and herbs can grow in just 4–6 inches of soil. Root vegetables and tomatoes need at least 10–12 inches.

 

 

Step-by-Step Setup Instructions

 

Step 1: Choose & Clean Your Container

  • Use containers at least 6–12 inches deep.

  • Wash with soap and water. Rinse well.

Step 2: Add Drainage Holes

  • Poke 4–6 small holes in the bottom for water to escape.

Step 3: Prepare Your Soil

  • Use potting mix or a DIY blend:
    60% compost + 40% peat moss or coco coir

  • Optional: Add small rocks or pebbles to bottom for drainage.

Step 4: Plant Your Seeds or Starters

  • Read your seed packet for spacing and depth.

  • Gently plant seeds or starter plants and press soil around the base.

Step 5: Label Your Plants

  • Label each row or section with the plant name and planting date.

Step 6: Water Gently

  • Use a spray bottle or watering can.

  • Keep soil moist but not soggy — check daily.

Step 7: Place in a Sunny Spot

  • Your garden needs 4–6 hours of sunlight per day.

  • Great locations: porch, balcony, windowsill, or patio.

 

🌟 Tips for Success

  • Rotate containers weekly to keep plants growing evenly.

  • Harvest greens and herbs often to encourage more growth.

  • Reuse what you have — growing in upcycled containers saves money and waste.

  • Start with 2–3 herbs and 1–2 easy veggies to keep it simple.

 

Journal Prompt (for LMS or Workbook)

What container(s) will you use for your garden?
What herbs or vegetables are you starting with, and why did you choose them?

 

CLICK HERE -> VEGETABLE GARDENING WORKBOOK

 

 

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