Hort 101
Start with our 5-day introductory course. Learn the principles of biology-first horticulture, gain hands-on skills, and build the confidence to reduce inputs while improving soil and plant health. Supported by post-course mentoring and our alumni network.
- Level
- Foundation
- Duration
- 5 days
- Format
- In-person
- Price
- NZ$1,200
- Max students
- 35
- Status
- Currently accepting enrolments
Learning outcomes
- Soil Biology & Microbial First Principles – microbes as the foundation of soil health and nutrient cycling, introduction to microscopy and soil testing.
- Maximising Photosynthesis for Plant & Soil Health – how photosynthesis drives resilience and yields.
- Hands-on Regenerative Farming Techniques – microbial inoculants, seed coatings, composting.
- Farm System Design & Management – lessons from three regenerative farms.
- Building a Resilient & Profitable Growing System – strategies to reduce inputs, improve fertility, and increase profitability.
Course overview
Earthworkers Hort 101 is our entry-level course, a five-day immersion in the principles and practices of biology-first horticulture. It is designed to give both new and experienced growers a confident foundation in regenerative growing systems. The course introduces the key idea that healthy, functioning soil biology is the cornerstone of productive and resilient farming. Participants learn how microbes, soil chemistry, and soil structure work together to create fertile conditions, and how working with these processes can reduce reliance on external inputs while improving yields and profitability.
- The mornings are classroom-based, where participants are guided step by step through the science of soil biology, chemistry, and plant health. These sessions are designed to make complex information accessible to both beginners and seasoned growers. The afternoons are spent on regenerative farms, where theory is grounded in practice. Across the five days, participants visit three different farms, each demonstrating a unique approach to restorative food production. This mix of learning ensures that students leave with both an understanding of “why” and the skills to put that knowledge into action.
- Hort 101 is structured around five interconnected themes: soil biology and microbial first principles, maximising photosynthesis for plant and soil health, hands-on regenerative farming techniques, farm system design and management, and building a resilient and profitable growing system. Participants learn practical tools such as how to make microbial inoculants and seed coatings, how to take and analyse soil tests, and how to design systems that balance soil fertility with long-term profitability.
- At its heart, Hort 101 is about shifting the grower’s perspective: seeing food production not just as a way to generate yield, but as a tool to regenerate the land. By the end of the course, participants understand how to minimise synthetic inputs such as nitrogen without sacrificing productivity, how soil health principles lead to pest resilience and biodiversity gains, and how regenerative practices can improve both ecological outcomes and economic viability.
- The course is supported by an online mentoring network, where alumni continue to share experiences, ask questions, and receive guidance. This long-term support is what makes Hort 101 stand out — growers are not left on their own but are connected to a wider community of practice.
