What is a Comprehensive Organic Gardener (COG)?

A COG is an adult who trains at Seattle Tilth in both hands-on and theoretical aspects of organic vegetable gardening.  COGs must attend 7 classes covering a variety of topics related to organic gardening.

What kind of people are you looking for?

We are looking for residents in the King County area who care about urban organic gardening and want to learn more about it.  COGs don’t need to have extensive plant knowledge, as this is a course for beginners. Past COGs have varied in age, occupation, and cultural background.  We are especially looking for enthusiastic people who are interested in getting involved with Tilth and its programs.

How technical is the training?

This is not a technical training, although it does include some technical elements. Our goal is to give you a basic understanding of organic gardening and enable you to successfully grow a vegetable garden.  We ask that you are willing to read, study, and actively participate in training.

What if you already know the basics of organic gardening?

Check the Tilth website for more advanced classes that may suit your needs. Spring through fall of every year, Seattle Tilth offers garden clinics on specific gardening topics.

Who are the trainers and what are the classes like?

Our trainers are all Tilth staff members. They offer their expertise to our integrated training and are an excellent source for the COG trainees.  The evening classes will be 2-hour lectures focusing on practical and theoretical aspects of organic gardening.  The weekend classes will consist of 5 hours of lecture and hands-on learning in the Tilth Demonstration Gardens, covering practical aspects of organic gardening.

What will the training cost?

The program cost including materials is $205 for Tilth members and $235 for non-members.  Scholarship applications available upon request.  For more information, call Kathy Dang or Laura Niemi at (206) 633-0451 x1.