Introduction to Sustainable Gardening

Learn the fundamentals of sustainable gardening practices that work with nature, conserve resources, and produce abundant harvests. Perfect for beginners and those looking to transition to more eco-friendly methods.

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Course Overview

This comprehensive course introduces you to the principles and practices of sustainable gardening, a holistic approach that works with nature rather than against it. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to transition from conventional gardening methods, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to create a thriving, eco-friendly garden that produces abundant harvests while minimizing environmental impact.

Through a combination of video lessons, practical demonstrations, downloadable resources, and interactive assignments, you'll learn how to design, implement, and maintain a sustainable garden in any setting—from urban balconies to rural plots. The course emphasizes practical, accessible techniques that can be adapted to various climates and contexts across Africa and beyond.

What You'll Learn

  • Core principles of sustainable gardening and how they differ from conventional approaches
  • How to assess your site and work with your specific environmental conditions
  • Soil building techniques that increase fertility naturally without synthetic inputs
  • Water conservation strategies appropriate for different climates
  • Seed saving and plant propagation for garden resilience and self-sufficiency
  • Companion planting and polyculture designs that minimize pests and maximize yields
  • Natural pest management approaches that protect beneficial organisms
  • Season extension techniques for year-round harvests
  • How to integrate traditional knowledge with modern sustainable practices

Who This Course Is For

  • Beginning gardeners with little or no experience who want to start with sustainable methods
  • Conventional gardeners looking to transition to more ecological approaches
  • Community garden organizers and volunteers
  • School garden coordinators and educators
  • Urban dwellers interested in container and small-space gardening
  • Rural farmers wanting to incorporate sustainable techniques
  • Anyone interested in growing their own food in harmony with nature

Course Format

This self-paced online course includes:

  • 8 comprehensive modules with over 30 video lessons (4-5 hours total)
  • Practical demonstrations filmed in various garden settings
  • Downloadable guides, worksheets, and planting calendars
  • Optional assignments to apply what you've learned
  • Access to a community forum to connect with other learners
  • Certificate of completion

All course materials are available in both English and French, with some resources also available in Swahili, Kinyarwanda, and Wolof.

Prerequisites

No prior gardening experience is required. This course is designed to be accessible to complete beginners while still providing valuable insights for those with some gardening experience.

Course Details

$49 $29

Scholarships available for community educators and low-income participants

Duration

8 weeks (recommended pace)

Self-paced with lifetime access

Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate

Languages

English, French

Subtitles available in Swahili, Kinyarwanda, and Wolof

Includes

  • 30+ video lessons
  • 12 downloadable resources
  • Hands-on assignments
  • Community forum access
  • Certificate of completion
  • Lifetime access to materials

Ready to Start Your Sustainable Garden?

Join over 2,500 students who have transformed their gardening approach

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Course Curriculum

Module 1: Foundations of Sustainable Gardening

4 lessons (45 min)
  • 📹 Introduction to Sustainable Gardening Principles 15 min
  • 📹 Working with Nature: Ecological Systems in the Garden 12 min
  • 📹 Traditional Knowledge and Modern Sustainability 10 min
  • 📄 Site Assessment Worksheet 8 min

Module 2: Understanding and Building Soil

5 lessons (60 min)
  • 📹 Soil Basics: The Foundation of Garden Health 12 min
  • 📹 Composting Fundamentals 15 min
  • 📹 Natural Soil Amendments and Fertilizers 10 min
  • 📹 No-Till and Minimal Disturbance Methods 12 min
  • 📄 Soil Testing and Amendment Guide 11 min

Module 3: Water Conservation and Management

4 lessons (50 min)
  • 📹 Water-Wise Gardening Principles 12 min
  • 📹 Rainwater Harvesting Basics 15 min
  • 📹 Efficient Irrigation Techniques 13 min
  • 📄 Drought-Resistant Planting Guide 10 min

Module 4: Plant Selection and Garden Planning

4 lessons (55 min)
  • 📹 Choosing the Right Plants for Your Climate 12 min
  • 📹 Companion Planting and Polycultures 15 min
  • 📹 Garden Layout and Design Principles 18 min
  • 📄 Seasonal Planting Calendar Templates 10 min

Module 5: Seeds and Propagation

3 lessons (40 min)
  • 📹 Seed Starting and Nursery Management 15 min
  • 📹 Seed Saving Techniques 15 min
  • 📹 Vegetative Propagation Methods 10 min

Module 6: Natural Pest and Disease Management

4 lessons (50 min)
  • 📹 Ecological Pest Management Principles 12 min
  • 📹 Beneficial Insects and Biodiversity 13 min
  • 📹 Natural Remedies for Common Garden Problems 15 min
  • 📄 Pest and Disease Identification Guide 10 min

Module 7: Season Extension and Year-Round Gardening

3 lessons (35 min)
  • 📹 Understanding Growing Seasons 10 min
  • 📹 Simple Season Extension Techniques 15 min
  • 📹 Planning for Continuous Harvests 10 min

Module 8: Harvesting, Saving, and Sharing

3 lessons (35 min)
  • 📹 Harvesting for Maximum Nutrition and Flavor 12 min
  • 📹 Basic Food Preservation Techniques 13 min
  • 📹 Building Community Through Garden Sharing 10 min

Meet Your Instructor

Aminata Diop

Aminata Diop

Master Gardener & Sustainable Agriculture Specialist

Aminata Diop has over 20 years of experience in sustainable agriculture and community garden development across West Africa. She holds a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Cheikh Anta Diop University and has trained thousands of gardeners in sustainable practices.

As the founder of three community garden initiatives in Senegal and a consultant for agricultural development projects across the continent, Aminata brings both academic knowledge and practical experience to her teaching. She specializes in adapting sustainable techniques to various African climates and cultural contexts.

Her approach combines traditional African agricultural wisdom with modern ecological principles, creating accessible methods that work for gardeners at all levels.

What Our Students Say

Jean Mutoni

Jean Mutoni

3 months ago

★★★★★

This course completely transformed my approach to gardening. As a school garden coordinator in Rwanda, I've implemented many of the techniques taught here and have seen remarkable improvements in our harvests while using fewer resources. The modules on water conservation and natural pest management were particularly valuable for our dry climate.

Sarah Osei

Sarah Osei

5 months ago

★★★★★

As a complete beginner with only a small balcony in Accra, I wasn't sure if I could really grow anything meaningful. This course gave me the confidence and knowledge to create a thriving container garden that now provides herbs and vegetables for my family. The instructor explains everything clearly and the visual demonstrations make it easy to follow along.

Omar Ndongo

Omar Ndongo

2 months ago

★★★★☆

I've been gardening conventionally for years but wanted to transition to more sustainable methods. This course provided exactly what I needed - practical techniques that don't require expensive inputs. I especially appreciated the focus on African contexts and traditional knowledge. The only improvement would be more content on larger-scale applications for those of us with bigger plots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a large space to apply what I learn in this course? +

Not at all! The techniques taught in this course can be applied to gardens of any size, from large rural plots to small urban containers. We provide specific adaptations for different contexts, including balcony gardens, community plots, and school gardens.

How long will I have access to the course materials? +

Once enrolled, you'll have lifetime access to all course materials, including any future updates. You can progress through the content at your own pace and revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher.

Is this course relevant for my specific climate? +

Yes! While the course is designed with African contexts in mind, the principles and techniques are adaptable to various climates. We provide specific guidance for different regions, from arid to tropical, and discuss how to modify approaches based on your local conditions.

Are there scholarships available? +

Yes, we offer scholarships for community educators, school garden coordinators, and individuals with financial constraints. Please contact our team at courses@dilulu.org with details about your situation and how you plan to use the knowledge gained from this course.

Can I download the videos for offline viewing? +

Yes, all video lessons are available for download to accommodate learners with limited internet access. The downloadable resources are also provided in PDF format for easy offline reference.

How much time should I dedicate to this course each week? +

We recommend dedicating 2-3 hours per week to get the most out of the course. This includes watching the videos, reviewing the materials, and implementing the practices in your own garden. However, as this is a self-paced course, you can adjust the timeline to fit your schedule.