The following instructional videos feature demonstrations from Center for Agroecology instructors on various organic farming and gardening topics including fruit tree planting and maintenance, seedling production, vegetable production and more. The development of these videos with videographer Jim Clark has been funded by Organic Valley Farmers Advocating for Organics, the UC Santa Cruz Foundation Board Opportunity Fund, the Friends of the UCSC Farm & Garden, and individual donors. The translation of these videos into Spanish has been funded by the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program. Find more videos on the Center for Agroecology YouTube channel.
Compost
Compost, the process and the product, is an example of harnessing biology to assist us in promoting healthy soil that in turn grows quality crops. Compost, green manures (cover crops), and sound soil cultivation practices are the three primary drivers of any sustainable growing system.
Cover Cropping
Cover crops protect soil and increase soil fertility. Learn when, how, and why to incorporate cover crop into your crop production cycle.
Flowers
Why grow flowers? Flowers attract beneficial insects, fetch a high price on the market, and are aesthetically pleasing. Learn how and why to incorporate flowers into your yard, garden, or farm.
Fruit Trees
Learn how to grow fruit trees organically from site and variety selection to seasonal care including pollination, pruning, orchard floor management, thinning, harvesting, and more.
Irrigation
Learn how to choose and set up irrigation on your farm or in your garden to bring water to your plants.
Organic Gardening
Learn about various organic gardening topics including bed preparation, pest control, and how to grow various crops in the garden.
Organic Production
Learn efficient, effective practices and techniques for producing organic fruits and vegetables on your farm or garden.
Seeding Starting and Caring
Whether you’re growing on a garden or field scale, our seed starting and seedling care tips will help you produce healthy organic seedlings.
Photos 1-10 by Jim Clark