Teaching Organic Farming and Gardening is revolutionary, because of how dominant the chemical- and resource-intensive paradigm for growing plants has become. As the world population grows and our climate changes, agricultural and food systems are ever more stressed and will be so for years to come. Diversified farming systems employing the techniques described in this manual absolutely can feed the world, as many studies continue to prove. If the future of food and agriculture is at all sustainable and just, it is far more likely to employ the methods in this manual than so-called conventional agricultural techniques. But perhaps most important for you, our readers, this manual is useful because it works.
Teaching Organic Farming & Gardening
The practices described here can be employed in a variety of climates, soils, and educational settings. The information on soil science provides a solid grounding for the practices described, and the units on social and environmental issues offer a broader context for those interested in sustainable agriculture. Moreover, teaching organic farming and gardening has evolved dramatically over the last several decades. In contrast to the very early efforts at organic farming and gardening, a substantial body of agroecological research informs today’s organic practices. Similarly, dramatic expansion in commercial applications of these techniques also confirms that they work, while simultaneously being modified for improvements. Today, those interested in teaching and learning about organic farming and gardening have a wealth of resources from which to draw, including this curriculum.