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A walkthrough of the full course structure — what each module covers, how they connect, and what you'll be able to do by the end.
The Learning Path — Explained
The course moves through six modules in a deliberate sequence. Each one builds on the last, but is written to stand alone for reference later. Here's what each module covers and the reasoning behind its placement.
Assessing Your Space
Before choosing any system or crop, you need an accurate picture of what you're working with. This module walks through light measurement (how to estimate daily light integrals without specialized equipment), airflow assessment, surface area inventory, and weight load considerations for balconies and rooftops. The goal is a written space profile you can reference throughout the rest of the course.
Choosing Your System
A comparative walkthrough of the growing methods suited to small urban spaces: Kratky passive hydroponics, Deep Water Culture, NFT channels, wick systems, and container soil growing. Each method is evaluated against the space profile from Module 1. The module ends with a decision framework — not a single recommendation, but a structured way to match system to space.
Crop Selection and Pairing
Matching crops to your system and space conditions. The module covers germination requirements, days-to-harvest for each crop type, light and temperature preferences, and which crops share well in the same system. Lettuce, herbs, spinach, radishes, cherry tomatoes, and dwarf peppers are each profiled in detail — including what they signal visually when conditions aren't right.
Nutrients and pH
The chemistry of plant nutrition made accessible. This module explains macronutrients and micronutrients, how pH affects their availability, how to mix a basic hydroponic nutrient solution, and how to interpret EC (electrical conductivity) readings. It covers what happens at each growth stage and how to adjust accordingly — written for someone who has never used a pH meter before.
Light and Environment Management
Working with what you have. For outdoor and balcony setups, this covers seasonal variation, reflective surfaces, and positioning strategies. For indoor setups, it covers grow light selection, spectrum basics, photoperiod management, and heat management. Both tracks include practical, low-cost approaches that don't require purchasing expensive equipment to start.
Troubleshooting and Ongoing Care
A diagnostic framework organized by observable symptom. Yellowing patterns, leaf curl, stunted growth, root discoloration, algae formation — each is traced to its likely causes in the context of small-space systems. The module also covers harvest timing, how to maintain continuous production, and how to reset a system between growing cycles. Designed as an ongoing reference.
What to Think About First
The most useful thing you can do before starting Module 1 is to observe your space for a few days. Note when and where sunlight hits, how long it stays. Open a window and feel how air moves. These observations make the space assessment module much more productive.
You don't need to buy anything yet. The first two modules are entirely about understanding and planning. Equipment decisions come after you have a clear picture of your environment and what you want to grow.
Not Sure Where to Begin?
The contact page has a form for questions about the course. We're happy to help you figure out which module to start with based on your specific space.
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