Basic Indoor Gardening
Learn the basic elements to building a successful indoor garden! This class offers a thorough look at the various methods of growing and the equipment needed for each system, including ebb & flow, reservoir, deep water culture and soil systems. Discussion includes how to monitor humidity, temperature and pH, as well as administering nutrients. Instructor: Carlos Aguila
$250 per person. 10 students maximum.
$250 per person. 10 students maximum.
Room Design, Layout and Installation
Students will learn to design a custom hydroponic garden, including room preparation, proper room ventilation and climate control, light and equipment placement, installation techniques, suitable mediums and maintenance. Instructor: Sean Taylor of 3rd Street Hydroponics.
$250 per person. 6 student maximum.
*Contact Institute for specific details on a 4-week in-depth study.
$250 per person. 6 student maximum.
*Contact Institute for specific details on a 4-week in-depth study.
Check out the latest gardening experiments at the
Oakland Organic Gardens!
Oakland Organic Gardens!
Plant Tissue Culture
The plant tissue culture class studies the genetic reproduction of plant tissue taken from a donor plant. In this hands-on class you will learn how to preserve the genetics from your favorite plant using micropropagation kits to root cuttings. Discussion includes rooting clones in a variety of mediums. Instructor: Bill Graham
$250 per person. 8 students maximum.
$250 per person. 8 students maximum.
Orchid Care - beginning soon *new
New Class coming in June. Instructor Tim Pegliaro, orchid aficionado and member of the orchid society. Stay tuned for details!
Aeroponics
Aeroponics is quickly becoming a popular method of indoor gardening. The quality and yield of produce grown aeroponically can be incredible, however unforgiving to an inexperienced aeroponic gardener. This class will teach you the basics of aeroponic gardening as well as equipment and nutrient management.
$10 per person donation to Children’s Hospital of Oakland. 10 student maximum.
$10 per person donation to Children’s Hospital of Oakland. 10 student maximum.
Nutrient Management - Basic and Organic
This class covers everything you wanted to know about organic nutrients and soil biology, but were afraid to ask! Topics include EC, PPM, TDS, and Ph management. We cover the best ways to use three part nutrients, beneficials, and additives. This is a 2-3 hour, hands-on class. Instructor: Carlos Aguila.
$250 per person. 10 students maximum.
$250 per person. 10 students maximum.
Starting a Sustainable Business
Alex Velez and Nikhil Arora, recent graduates of UC Berkeley, are the entrepreneurs behind BTTR Ventures, a sustainable gardening business that helps consumers grow homegrown organic mushrooms using recycled coffee grounds as a medium at home with no mess. The success of their company has earned them the distinction of being listed in the top 25 of Business Week’s Top 25 Entrepreneurs Under 25. Velez and Arora have invaluable and unique insight on creating sustainable agricultural businesses and have incorporated their knowledge into the curriculum of the class.
$25 per person. 20 students maximum.
$25 per person. 20 students maximum.
Plant Pathology and Microbiology
(TBA) This class will teach you all about the pathogens and plant diseases that are faced by everyday indoor gardeners. Learn to identify bacteria, fungi, and a host of other microorganisms. Taught by John Piccirilli of Cutting Edge Solutions. This class will be given once a month.
Hydroponic Systems and Irrigation Design
Students will learn the dynamics of flood and drain, aeroponics, drain to waste, and recirculation systems. We will be covering techniques in selecting proper grow mediums. This is a 70/30 lecture to lab class. At the end of every class, students will learn to put together a flood and drain system. This class will be 2.5-3.0 hours long offered once monthly. Taught by Rob Laubacher of Botanicare.
$200 per person. 6 students maximum.
$200 per person. 6 students maximum.
Sustainable Mushroom Cultivation
Learn how to cultivate your own mushrooms indoors. Curriculum discusses the basics of mushroom cultivation and then continues with specific details of growing Shitake, Blue Oyster, Lions Mane, and many others! At the end of the month, we will host a gourmet Chef from the San Francisco Culinary Institute preparing the monthly harvest. Taught by Alex Velez and Nikhil Arora of BTTR Ventures.
$50 per person. 25 student maximum.
$50 per person. 25 student maximum.
All Ladies Class
The all ladies class is a basic introduction to indoor gardening with a female perspective. Students will learn the basics of pH, room temperature and humidity, growing media, and basic nutrient management. This class is meant to not only be informative but also a great opportunity for lady gardeners to get together, share tips and tricks, and generally socialize. Sorry boys, this one is for the fairer sex only!
$50 per person. 20 ladies maximum.
$50 per person. 20 ladies maximum.
Compost Tea
Learn to make your own compost tea for pennies a gallon! This class will instruct the indoor grower in the basics of tea making and its importance to a healthy garden. Given once a month, this class FILLS UP FAST! Don't miss out.
$20 per person donation to Children's Hospital of Oakland. 25 students maximum.
$20 per person donation to Children's Hospital of Oakland. 25 students maximum.
Pest and Disease Control
The class covers proactive and preventative techniques of disease control, including reactive gardening measures. Students will learn to institute corrective action after identifying and isolating garden problems. Discussion includes organic and chemical based treatments. Instructed by Dudley Riggs of Dr. DoRight's.
$50 per person. 20 students maximum.
$50 per person. 20 students maximum.
Organic Nutrients and Soil Biology
Everything you wanted to learn about organic nutrients and soil biology, but were afraid to ask! This class is given by Brian Malin and Ian Davidson of VITAL Earth, two of the most renowned organic gardeners in the business! Offered once monthly. Please check calendar for specific details. If you are into organic cultivation, this is not a class to miss!
$250 per person. 10 students maximum.
$250 per person. 10 students maximum.
Aquaponics
(TBA) This class is the perfect introduction to the developing indoor Aquaculture industry. Learn about the construction and operation of aquaponics systems ... and how to raise tilapia (fish) and lettuce indoors so you can make your own tacos! Eric is an experienced farmer in the ever changing world of alternative farming systems.
$200 per person. 10 students maximum.
$200 per person. 10 students maximum.
Fundamentals of Lighting
(TBA) This class teaches the indoor grower all about the different types of lighting. Learn about different spectrums and lighting techniques. Classes for beginners and advanced growers are given once a month. Taught by Michelle White of Sunlight Supply.
$200 per person. 10 students maximum.
$200 per person. 10 students maximum.
Greenhouse Construction
(TBA) Learn what it takes to design and construct a first-class greenhouse for your own property. In this hands-on class you will determine, materials, layout and draw your design. Followed by helping construct the school’s first greenhouse. Taught by Sean Taylor from 3rd Street Hydroponics.
$200 per person. 10 students maximum.
$200 per person. 10 students maximum.
Greenhouse and Retail Nursery Management
(TBA) This class is designed for retail employee training. More information coming soon.
Private classes and consultation available.
Call for information. (510) 891-1557
