Course Content
Module 1: Welcome, Orientation & Garden Planning
Vegetable Gardening for Resilience Curriculum πŸ“š 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 πŸ“ˆ Course Structure Week 1: Live Kickoff Event Weeks 2–16: LMS distance learning (video lessons, activities, reflections) Week 16: Live Closing Event & Certificate Ceremony βœ… 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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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?
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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?
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Module 4:Garden Care, Harvest & Preservation
Updated Module Description: In this module, you’ll learn the essentials of keeping your vegetable garden thrivingβ€”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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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?
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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

Harvesting is not just about food for yourself β€” it can be a way to support your neighbors, community organizations, and even create income.

When Harvesting for Sharing or Sale:

  • Harvest in small, manageable batches to maintain freshness.

  • Wash, trim, and package produce in clean containers or bags.

  • Label with crop type and harvest date.

  • Keep records using a Harvest & Sales Log (to track amounts donated, sold, or used at home).

Connecting Beyond Your Garden:

  • Food Banks & Pantries – donate extra produce.

  • Farmers Markets – test small-scale sales.

  • Community Meals – share in group cooking events.

  • CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) – collaborate with neighbors to pool crops.

Reflection Prompt:
How would it feel to provide fresh food to someone who doesn’t normally have access to it?