Syllabus for: PLSS 238 Home Gardening

Spring 2003

Instructor:      Dr. Alan Walters - Assistant Professor of Vegetable Science
                     109 Public Policy Institute
                     Office - 453-3446           Secretary - 453-2496
                     Office hours: Monday 9-12, Tuesday 9-12 (or by appointment) 

Class: Rm. 166 Agriculture Building; Tuesday and Thursday, 5:00 – 7:00 

Course Objectives:    PLSS 238.  2 hours.  Home Gardening.
          1.       Understand basic home gardening techniques including composting, mulching, propagation, pest control, etc.
          2.       Recognize some of the more commonly grown flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
          3.       Acquire useful knowledge about flowers, herbs, vegetables and fruit commonly grown in gardens. 

Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites. 

Attendance:   No attendance policy, but without regular, punctual attendance, you should not expect to obtain a good grade in this course.   

Text:              Course Packet (Kopies and More).  Handouts will be given as needed. 

Course Requirements and Grading:

                     Audit-regular class attendance 

                     Your grade will be determined based on the following:

                             2 exams (20 % each)                    - 40%
                             Comprehensive Final (20 %)         - 20%
                             Homework (10 % each)              - 30%
                             Vegetable/Herb/Flower
                             Interior Plants ID Test                   - 10%
                             Total                                           - 100% 

Homework Assignments and Due Date:
                I. Transplanting Laboratory (in greenhouse)               March 20
               II. Propagation Laboratory (in greenhouse)                 March 25                    
              III. Internet Gardening Search (5 sites)                        April 17                  

Class Schedule:
              Introduction, Site Selection, Garden Planning                    March 18
              Garden Planning, Composting                                          March 20
              Composting, Soil Modification, Mulching                         March 25
              Plant Propagation, Flowers for the Home Garden             March 27
              Vegetables, Vegetables/Herbs for ID (greenhouse)           April 1
              Vegetables, EXAM 1                                                      April 3
              Vegetables, Unusual Vegetables                                       April 8
              ID EXAM (greenhouse), Herbs, Heirloom Gardening       April 10
              Edible Landscapes, Large Fruit                                        April 15
              Small Fruit                                                                       April 17
              Small Fruit, EXAM 2                                                       April 22
              Pest Management, Organic Gardening,                             April 24                              
              Common Garden Problems                                             
              Container/Patio Gardening,                                               April 29
              Season Extension Methods/Techniques                       
              Review, Plant Giveaway, FINAL EXAM                         May 1