Hi everyone, welcome to the seventh session of the Urban Agriculture course from CultivAction Solidarity Cooperative. Today, we’ll focus on natural solutions to common garden challenges. Erik Chevrier, Ph.D. and Mohammed Al-Duais will guide you through a range of ecological strategies, including Integrated Pest Management, irrigation techniques, composting with vermicompost, and methods for growing food in a greenhouse. These approaches are meant to support productive, ecologically responsible growing systems that work well in a variety of settings.
In this session, we’ll explore practical, ecological approaches to some of the most common issues gardeners face. Participants will rotate through two stations to learn about drip irrigation systems, beneficial and harmful garden insects, composting with vermicompost, plant diseases and pathogens, and greenhouse growing. The day will finish with group gardening tasks and a chance to ask questions and share reflections.
Introduction and Check-In
Welcome and overview of the day’s topics
Group Rotations
Group 1: Learn how to hook up a drip irrigation system & identify common garden insects
Group 2: Construct a vermicompost system, explore plant diseases, pathogens, and viruses, and discuss greenhouse growing
Switch Groups
Group 1 and Group 2 trade places and repeat workshops
Garden Tasks
Hands-on time in the garden to apply and reinforce the day’s learning
Closing Discussion
Questions, reflections, and next steps
English (Canada) 
Français du Canada