On dates Radiant Nature is open (through Feb. 23), the Garden closes early to daytime visitors at 4 p.m.
EVENTS

Growing Organic Vegetables Series

In Partnership with Urban Harvest

WHEN
February 22, 2025 10:00 am -
February 22, 2025 12:00 pm

NOTE: THERE IS CURRENTLY A WAITING LIST FOR THE GROWING ORGANIC VEGETABLES CLASS

 

Each year, Urban Harvest offers a series providing all the basics of growing a wide variety of vegetables in the Houston climate using organic methods. For 2025, the class will be held on seven Saturdays this spring, Feb. 22-May 24, in the Community Garden of the Houston Botanic Garden. This comprehensive series of courses includes 24 hours of classroom instruction, plus 9 hours of hands-on instruction. Those who complete the course become certified Organic Vegetable Specialists and receive a certificate.

REGISTRATION: While there is no charge for the class series itself, space is limited, so pre-registration is required.

REQUIRED TEXT: All participants must purchase the book “Year Round Vegetables, Fruits and Flowers for Metro Houston,” by Dr. Bob Randall, at a cost of $65. Purchase the book here.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: You need to attend six of the seven classes to be eligible for the “Organic Vegetable Specialist” certificate.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

Saturday, Feb. 22

– The Organic Approach; Why it Works: Brief explanation Designing your vegetable garden using permaculture.
– Area Climate, Precipitation, Irrigation, Drainage & Raised Beds

Saturday, Mar. 8

– Vegetable Garden Design; continued; Tools; Ponds, Bogs, water management
– Ecological Pest Control; Other Organic Pest Controls; Bed Rotation

Saturday, Mar. 22

– Soil Nutrients; Organic Matter, Organic Fertilizers Soil Food Webs
– Backyard Compost and Mulches; Purchased Mulches & Compost

Saturday, Apr. 12

– Types of Vegetables; Rating Vegetables; Vegetable Seeds: Varieties, & Best Sources; Growing Organic Transplants; Planting seeds, sprouts and plants.

Saturday, Apr. 26

– Vegetables, Temperatures, and Planting Zones; Planting Schedules; Tomatoes
– Weeds and Weeding; Bed Rotation All other nightshades, Bean & Pea Family; Sweet Potato Family; Mint Family; Miscellaneous Others. Donation Gardening.Saturday, May 10

– All other nightshades, Bean & Pea Family; Sweet Potato Family; Mint Family, Miscellaneous Others. Donation Gardening.

Saturday, May 24
*NOTE LOCATION CHANGE: Bauer Education Center (1911 W. 34th Street, 77018)

– Squash Family; Grain Family; Okra Family; Beet Family. Market Gardens & Farms.

 

Before each class, there will be a Q&A session where participants can bring up topics related to the last class and the readings. There will also be a brief, self-graded quiz based on the reading assigned and the previous class. If possible, participants are encouraged to bring their own trowel, gloves, water bottle, and hat.

Upcoming Events

Unleash Your Creativity
February 15, 2025 1:00 pm
With Park Place Regional Library
February 21, 2025 10:30 am
Meet with Like Minds
March 1, 2025 2:00 pm
Habitat of Flight
March 8, 2025 10:00 am
You Pot 'Em, You Take 'Em
March 8, 2025 12:00 pm