This course is designed for homeowners, gardeners, and landscapers. Students will explore an interest in gardening and landscaping as a hobby, for professional growth, or to broaden their knowledge of horticulture. Students will gain expertise in gardening and landscaping principles tailored for desert and semi-arid environments, encompassing both conventional and organic practices. Completing this course fulfills the training requirements for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program.
Prerequisites
None
1. Define botany and how it applies to gardening and landscaping.
2. Explain the different types of soils, fertilizers, and compost.
3. Describe the best irrigation practices for arid environments.
4. Outline the fundamental concepts of vegetable and herb gardening.
5. Describe the basic principles of fruit production.
6. Apply techniques of plant pruning.
7. Describe the relationship between insects and plants including pests and pollinators.
8. Determine how to identify when an animal becomes a pest.
9. Describe conditions likely to favor the increase of vertebrate pest populations
10. Describe damage caused by both living and non-living plant pathogens.
11. Describe key classifications of weed plants, such as monocot versus dicot, and annual, biennial, and perennial life cycles Describe appropriate weed management.
12. Explain the use and care of low-water-use ornamental plants in basic landscape design.
13. Describe the home ignition zones and appropriate use of vegetation, building materials, and landscaping to make a home safer during a wildfire.
14. Describe various methods of plant propagation.