Hort 101 B
OPEN TO EVERYONE: Hort 101 B is a three-day technical foundation course for growers wanting to deepen their understanding of regenerative organic horticulture and apply that knowledge to their growing systems. Delivered over three weekdays as professional extension learning, the course is particularly relevant to small to mid-scale and commercial growers, market gardeners, orchardists and growing managers seeking to strengthen their technical knowledge and decision-making skills.
- Level
- Foundation
- Duration
- 3 days
- Format
- In-person
- Price
- NZ$825
- 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.
- Building a Resilient & Profitable Growing System – strategies to reduce inputs, improve fertility, and increase profitability.
Course overview
At the heart of the course is the three-legged stool concept : the understanding that soil biology, chemistry and structure are interdependent, and that all three must function together to create healthy, productive growing systems.
Through classroom learning and practical application, participants develop the knowledge to interpret what is happening in their soils and plants, make informed management decisions and reduce reliance on external inputs while maintaining productivity and profitability.
Hort 101 B can be taken independently, without completing Hort 101 A. It provides the foundational technical knowledge needed to join Earthworkers' ongoing mentoring and alumni network, and to progress into Hort 201 and Future Agronomists.
Course content
Over three days, you will explore the scientific principles underpinning regenerative organic horticulture, including:
- Soil biology and the role of microbial communities in nutrient cycling
- Soil chemistry, mineral balance and nutrient availability
- Soil structure and its relationship to biological activity
- The relationship between photosynthesis, plant health and soil fertility
- Understanding soil testing and interpreting results
- The role of microbial inoculants and biological amendments
- Recognising plant health, nutrient imbalances and biological limitations
- Managing soil fertility while reducing dependence on synthetic inputs
- Understanding how regenerative organic practices influence pest and disease resilience
- Applying regenerative organic principles to productive and economically viable growing systems
The course combines technical learning with practical examples, helping participants understand not only what to do, but why it works.
Ongoing mentoring and alumni support
Completing Hort 101 B gives you access to Earthworkers' ongoing mentoring and alumni learning network.
Learning continues beyond the classroom through a connected community of growers who share observations, ask questions, troubleshoot challenges and support one another as they put regenerative organic principles into practice.
Because these conversations draw on the technical principles taught in Hort 101 B, completion of this course establishes the shared understanding needed to participate meaningfully in the network.
This ongoing support is central to Earthworkers' approach. We are building a connected community of growers who continue to learn from one another and strengthen regenerative organic horticulture across Aotearoa.
Where to next?
Hort 101 B provides the foundation for progression into Hort 201 — Advanced Regenerative Organic Horticulture, and subsequently Earthworkers' Future Agronomists programme.
It can be taken as a standalone three-day course or immediately following Hort 101 A to complete the full five-day foundation programme.
Course options
- Hort 101 A — 2 days: $550
- Hort 101 B — 3 weekdays: $825
- Complete Hort 101 A + B — 5 consecutive days: $1,200 (save $175)
Completing Hort 101 B includes access to ongoing post-course mentoring and our alumni learning network.
