The Texas Organic Research Center (TORC) is offering what no other university or school has— a degree program with certification in organic gardening, farming, horticulture and agriculture. Their Natural-Organic Certification Course, designed by Howard Garrett, the “dirt doctor”,  teaches online in 15 video chapters with a 25-page study booklet. Taking this course can improve students’ gardening and landscaping techniques and help in teaching others to be toxin-free.

Participants will learn to stop using destructive synthetic fertilizers and toxic pesticides; use natural/organic techniques and products effectively; and save water and money with a more enjoyable approach to gardening and landscaping.

Topics include introduction to organics, soil building, planting, trees, fertilizing, insect control, insect control, disease control, weed control, compost and mulch, landscaping, food crops, irrigation and a Natural-Organic Certification course summary.

Cost is $195 for the course or $295 plus email and phone support for 12 months from the date of purchase. Natural Awakenings readers receive 10 percent off using the code NATURALAWAKENINGS10. To register, visit TexasOrganicResearchCenter.org/natural_organic_certification_course.