Permaculture and Self Sufficiency Courses

Advanced Permaculture

Lessons icon 10 lessons
Duration icon 100 hours
Qualification icon Statement of Attainment
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

BUILD ON YOUR PERMACULTURE UNDERSTANDING AND SKILLS

For people with prior experience in permaculture; this course develops further skills.

This course follows on from Permaculture Systems or for those who have studied permaculture elsewhere; it is an excellent follow on from the "Permaculture Design Certificate".  It wil give you extra skills that are not covered in many other permaculture design courses that will enable you to design truly sustainable permaculture systems.

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Alternative Energy

Lessons icon 8 lessons
Duration icon 100 hours
Qualification icon Statement of Attainment
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

Online study - Alternative Energy.

Gain an understanding of sources of renewable energy

  • Learn about electricity, batteries, how to become energy self sufficient.
  • Understand different methods of generating, storing and using electricity, from hydro and solar to wind generators.
  • Explore ways to better manage energy consumption, and how to convert a building’s energy supply to an alternative system.
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Aromatherapy

Lessons icon 8 lessons
Duration icon 100 hours
Qualification icon Statement of Attainment
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

ONLINE AROMATHERAPY COURSE

Learn more about the safe use of aromatherapy essential oils for healing and relaxation

Essential oils are the backbone of Aromatherapy. Their effectiveness is dependent on their safe and proper use, as well as on the quality of the oil used. Oils work in a much more subtle way than many commercially prepared products and in many situations are more suitable for preventative treatment rather than cure.

 

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Bees, Beekeeping and Honey

Lessons icon 9 lessons
Duration icon 20 hours
Qualification icon Certificate of Completion
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online

  • Learn something new with our fast, self paced study programs - quickly improve your knowledge! 
  • Our Short Courses can be completed in as little as 20 hours.
  • Enrol at any time and start studying immediately.
  • Configure your study sessions at any length and frequency you wish.
  • Work through at your own pace - there are no deadlines for this course.
  • Automated self assessment tests pop up at the end of each lesson - review your results and re-do the tests if you wish.
  • The short course is completed with an automated exam - if you achieve a 60% pass in the exam, you immediately receive a downloadable certificate of completion with your name on it.

Unsure about doing a full course? Do a short course first!

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Health Food Production

Lessons icon 9 lessons
Duration icon 100 hours
Qualification icon Statement of Attainment
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

Learn to make Health Food Products

  • For your own use
  • As a commercial business
  • Value adding for farms
  • Diversification for cafes and restaurants

 

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Healthy Buildings I (Building Construction & Health)

Lessons icon 10 lessons
Duration icon 100 hours
Qualification icon Statement of Attainment
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

Design buildings with health in mind

A building should provide a pleasant, efficient and healthy environment for its occupants. Its primary purpose should be to protect from adverse conditions found outside; but in doing so, not lose the beneficial conditions found outside. If a building is properly planned and built well, these aims can be achieved. Learn about building materials, construction techniques, electrical wiring, temperature & light control, ventilation, plumbing, ergonomics and psychological factors; and how all of these things impact upon human health and wellbeing.

This course helps to develop the skills needed to determine the impact of building construction characteristics upon human health, and to recommend innovations in building design to improve habitability.

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Healthy Buildings II (Building Environment & Health)

Lessons icon 8 lessons
Duration icon 100 hours
Qualification icon Statement of Attainment
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

How healthy is you home and workplace environment?

How do the choices you make about building construction and maintenance, impact on your health?

Develops skills to evaluate, describe and explain how physical characteristics of a building and its surrounds have an impact upon the habitability of the building and human health. The course covers how weather systems and garden design influences the internal environment of a house, health aspects of different furnishings, paints, pesticides and chemicals (and alternatives), alternative methods of pest control, managing building surrounds and interior environments.

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Horticulture I

Lessons icon 13 lessons
Duration icon 100 hours
Qualification icon Statement of Attainment
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

Horticulture by Distance Learning - start your horticulture studies with this practical course.

The ideal course for the beginner, this is a basic, yet thoroughly practical course which gives you a sound broad technical grounding in horticultural principles and practices.

 
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Mud Brick Construction

Lessons icon 10 lessons
Duration icon 100 hours
Qualification icon Statement of Attainment
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

ONLINE COURSE in MUD BRICK CONSTRUCTION

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF BUILDING YOUR OWN HOME?

If you've thought of building a mud brick building, this course can be an excellent starting point. Its very practical, with some hands on work to get you started; helping you begin experimenting and planning ongoing projects, whether they are a modest garden wall, or more complex buildings.

  • Save time by learning to do it right first time!
  • Imagine being able to build your own home
  • Learn to test soil suitability for mud building, how to make a quality brick & how to test its strength.

The course takes you step by step through the building process, showing how to plan a building, sorting through permits and other legalities, doing the site works & foundations, different construction techniques,laying bricks, frames & roofs, installing services, wall finishes and more.

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Organic Plant Culture

Lessons icon 10 lessons
Duration icon 100 hours
Qualification icon Statement of Attainment
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

Be Part of the Organic Revolution!

This course helps you to work with the environment, without the use of artificial fertilisers or sprays.

This outstanding and extensive, globally-focused course develops a solid understanding of the principles and procedures underlying the cultivation of plants by natural methods. 

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Permaculture I (Permaculture Foundations)

Lessons icon 5 lessons
Duration icon 100 hours
Qualification icon Statement of Attainment
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

Understand the concepts and ethics of permaculture with this introductory course to permaculture. 

This course introduces the basic concepts of Permaculture, and develops a basis for permaculture design by explaining the patterns which occur in nature, such as weather systems, water cycles, topography, soil-plant interactions and forest ecology, and how a knowledge of these patterns can be used to reproduce balanced and productive garden growing systems.

With further study after this course, you can also obtain the Permaculture Design Certificate.

 

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Permaculture II

Lessons icon 10 lessons
Duration icon 100 hours
Qualification icon Statement of Attainment
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

Study Plants in Permaculture

Gain a deeper understanding of the permaculture system, the environment and plants.

"Gain a more indepth knowledge of plant use in permaculture"

This course is a natural progression from Permaculture 1, but can taken separately in its own right. It concentrates on the plants in a permaculture system, how they relate to each other and to the surrounding environment; and selection and placement of different varieties within a permaculture design.

 

 

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Permaculture III

Lessons icon 8 lessons
Duration icon 100 hours
Qualification icon Statement of Attainment
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

STUDY ANIMALS FOR PERMACULTURE ONLINE

  • Learn the relationship between animals and permaculture systems
  • Understand how they relate to each other, how they relate to surrounding environments
  • Learn the selection and management of different types of animals in a permaculture design.

 

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Permaculture IV

Lessons icon 10 lessons
Duration icon 100 hours
Qualification icon Statement of Attainment
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

 Learn to design and manage a comprehensive permaculture system

 

 

 

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Permaculture Systems

Lessons icon 8 lessons
Duration icon 100 hours
Qualification icon Statement of Attainment
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

Learn to Design Sustainable Gardens

A permaculture system is a unique landscape where all the plants and animals live in balance in a self sustaining ecosystem. Permaculture has an ethical approach to designing land use and community systems, to provide food, ecological habitats and other essentials needed for human survival. Learning to develop plans for permaculture systems (i.e. a unique landscape where plants and animals live in a balanced and self sustaining ecosystem) is a crucial part of the permaculture process.

Study this course to learn about the different growing methods which underpin permaculture, natural systems which constitute ecology i.e. the relationships between water, soils, plants and animals, zonal planning in permaculture systems and how plants, animals, fish and other components fit in. Completion of the course can be used towards a permaculture design certificate.

ACS has been a member of the Permaculture Association (UK) and the Alternative Technology Association (Australia) for decades.

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Qualification - Advanced Certificate in Urban Sustainability

Modules icon 9 modules
Duration icon 900 hours
Qualification icon Advanced Certificate
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

Learn how to make life more sustainable in Cities

for individual and communities

for better physical, mental and even financial wellbeing.

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Qualification - Associate Diploma In Environmental Management

Duration icon 1500 hours
Qualification icon Associate Diploma
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ONLINE TRAINING COURSE

Despite huge growth in environmental industries world wide, many graduates in environmental sciences still find a career eludes them. Often this is because their studies have not covered the subjects and skills which are in fact providing employment opportunities. This course differs from other environmental courses providing a unique opportunity to develop those "in demand" skills.
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Qualification - Certificate in Fish Farming

Modules icon 6 modules
Duration icon 600 hours
Qualification icon Certificate
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning
Learn Fish and Aquatic Farming
  • Discover opportunities in one of the fastest developing areas of agriculture.
  • Enrol and start studying anytime, from anywhere, and at your own pace
  • Pressures on diminishing natural resources are making growth in fish farming inevitable

 

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Qualification - Certificate In Horticulture (Permaculture)

Modules icon 3 modules
Duration icon 600 hours
Qualification icon Certificate
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

PERMACULTURE CERTIFICATE ONLINE STUDY

GAIN A PERMACULTURE DESIGN CERTIFICATE & A HORTICULTURE QUALIFICATION

ACS Student comment: "So far I have found the course very thorough and extremely informative.  I enjoy the assignment questions and reading the course material.  Having glanced ahead at the future lessons I can easily see I am going to cover all the important aspects of Horticulture before starting the Permacutlure half of my course." Dale Rider, USA, Certificate in Horticulture (Permaculture) course.

“The principles of permaculture and the fundamentals of horticulture are covered in this extensive course. It creates opportunities to work as a consultant or to set up sustainable productive gardens for others.”

This course provides training for people working or wishing to work in horticulture with a particular emphasis on the design, development and management of productive natural garden systems. Graduates may find employment in either general horticulture, or in areas servicing permaculture or natural gardening (eg. Garden/system design, plant nurseries, teaching, consulting, etc). Half of the course is identical to the Permaculture courses outlined previously, and the other half provides a broad, general foundation in horticultural practices.

After satisfactory completion of this course, you will be awarded a Permaculture Design Certificate, recognised by the Permaculture Institute.

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Qualification - Certificate in Permaculture Consulting

Modules icon 6 modules
Duration icon 600 hours
Qualification icon Certificate
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

Become a Permaculture Consultant

 

If you are passionate about the changes that permaculture can bring for the future and want to spread the word by consulting, this is the course to your dreams.  Learn about permaculture, how to operate as a consultant, with a large variety of electives such as organic agriculture and farming; sustainable agriculture, alternative energy; nut and fruit production and more. 

Permaculture is a growing movement worldwide that revolutionises the way we manage the environment around us to maximise the use of energy to increase food production and environmental health.  Permaculture courses are in demand as are skilled consultants.  This is a great course for those already practicing permaculture and wanting to take the next step and those just wanting to start out and learn more.

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Qualification - Certificate in Self Sufficiency and Fruit Growing

Modules icon 6 modules
Duration icon 600 hours
Qualification icon Certificate
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning
Live the good life. Study self sufficiency and specialise in fruit growing. Learn more about growing fruits in a temperate climate, berry production and more. Study in the comfort of your own home with support from our excellent tutors. Start the course at any time to suit you.
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QUALIFICATION - CERTIFICATE IN SELF SUFFICIENCY WITH SPECIALISM IN VEGETABLE GROWING

Modules icon 6 modules
Duration icon 600 hours
Qualification icon Certificate
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning
A specialist qualification in self-sufficiency and vegetable growing. Learn more about becoming self-sufficient and producing vegetables for your own consumption or for sale. Study six 100 hour modules - Crops I, Commercial Vegetable Production, Commerical Organic Vegetable Production, Home Vegetable Growing and Self Sufficiency I and II.
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Qualification - Foundation Diploma in Permaculture

Modules icon 10 modules
Duration icon 1000 hours
Qualification icon Foundation Diploma
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning
A distance learning course in Permaculture. Become a permaculture expert and learn more about permaculture, self-suffiency and organic farming.  You can also choose to learn more about alternative energy, aquaponics or aquaculture.  Upon successful completion of the Permaculture Systems module, you will receive the Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC).
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Qualification - Foundation Diploma in Self Sufficiency

Modules icon 15 modules
Duration icon 1000 hours
Qualification icon Foundation Diploma
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning
Study self sufficiency online with this extensive course. There are ten 100 hour modules that look at a wide range of topics relating to self sufficiency. Study topics as diverse as goat husbandry to berry production. An interesting and informative course.
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Qualification - Proficiency Award in Permaculture

Modules icon 5 modules
Duration icon 500 hours
Qualification icon Proficiency Award
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

Convert Your Property for Sustainable Living off the grid!

Understand more about permaculture by studying theory and also undertaking a practical project or work experience. Study three 100 hour modules, consisting of two core modules - Permaculture Systems and Advanced Permaculture. Then choose one elective module and undertake work based research or practice.

Obtain a Permaculture Design Certiifcate

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Qualification - Proficiency Award in Self Sufficiency

Modules icon 5 modules
Duration icon 500 hours
Qualification icon Proficiency Award
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

Self-sufficiency is the idea of sustainable living, where the person consumes only that which they produce. Examples of self-sufficiency can include simple living, smallholding, the back to the land movement, “off the grid” living and so on. It is also linked to permaculture, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and so on. This 500 hour course enables you to develop your skills in self-sufficiency. Learn to live a self-sufficient and sustainable life. 

This 500 hour course is studied by distance learning and consists of three 100 hour modules and a 200 hour industry project/work experience.

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Qualification - Proficiency Award in Self Sufficiency and Aquaponics

Modules icon 5 modules
Duration icon 500 hours
Qualification icon Proficiency Award
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

Aquaponics is a useful skill to have when planning to do, or already, living in a self sufficient way.

This distance learning course provides a detailed insight into self-sufficiency and aquaponics.

Study three 100 hour modules and complete a project to complete this thorough qualification.

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QUALIFICATION - PROFICIENCY AWARD IN SELF SUFFICIENCY WITH HOME FRUIT GROWING

Modules icon 5 modules
Duration icon 500 hours
Qualification icon Proficiency Award
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning
Become a self sufficiency AND fruit growing expert. Experience the joy of producing your own fruit. Learn more about the techniques involved in self sufficiency and home fruit growing with this 500 hour course. A must for anyone seeking the good life.
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Qualification - Proficiency Award in Self Sufficiency with Hydroponics Specialism

Modules icon 5 modules
Duration icon 500 hours
Qualification icon Proficiency Award
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning
Hydroponics is the growing of plants without soil or in an aquatic environment. This course provides you with detailed knowledge of hydroponics and self-sufficiency. Learn more about  living a self-sufficient life making use of hydroponic knowledge and skills. A 500 hour course consisting of Self Sufficiency I and II, Hydroponics and a research/workbased project.
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Qualification - Proficiency Award in Self-Sufficiency and Berry Production

Modules icon 5 modules
Duration icon 500 hours
Qualification icon Proficiency Award
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

Would you like to be more self-sufficient?

Would you like to live the good life?

This course enables you to study by distance learning and learn more about self-sufficiency and berry production.  Suitable for anyone wanting to live a simpler and more self-sufficient life. The course requires around 500 hours of study. There are three 100 hour courses made up of Self-Sufficiency I, II and Berry Production. Then complete a 200 hour project looking more at a topic of interest to you.

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Qualification - Proficiency Award in Self-Sufficiency and Viticulture

Modules icon 5 modules
Duration icon 500 hours
Qualification icon Proficiency Award
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

More and more people want to become more self-sufficient today.

Living a simpler and calmer life can be rewarding physically and mentally. With this 500 hour course, you can learn more about the joys of self-sufficiency and viticulture. Produce your own crops and wine.  Study by distance learning and work through the course supported by our excellent tutors. Study three 100 hour modules in Self Sufficiency I and II, and Viticulture. Then complete a 200 hour project on a topic of interest to you.

A great course to study, whether you want to be entirely self-sufficient or want to include some aspects of self-sufficiency in your life.

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Qualification -Certificate In Alternative Farming

Modules icon 6 modules
Duration icon 600 hours
Qualification icon Certificate
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

ALTERNATIVE FARMING  - HOME STUDY ONLINE COURSE

START LOW IMPACT, ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTION NOW

Agriculture has seen massive changes in most developed countries over recent decades due to changes in global economics, technology and environmental concerns. This course provides an foundation for dealing with those changes, whether on your  own farm, or in a broader sense.

This course has two main core modules: sustainable agriculture and organic farming, the remaining four modules can be selected from a further 16 modules making this course highly customisable.

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Qualification -Certificate In Self Sufficiency

Modules icon 6 modules
Duration icon 600 hours
Qualification icon Certificate
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

ONLINE CERTIFICATE COURSE IN SUSTAINABLE LIVING

BECOME SELF SUFFICIENT NOW WITH THIS PRACTICAL COURSE

A unique qualification which may be undertaken with a view to preparing for a change in the way you live or perhaps in preparation for establishing a business or career providing services to the community in this discipline.

The course develops skills in producing your own day to day products using low cost, environmental friendly practices. The Certificate covers (but is not limited to):

  • mud brick building,
  • growing fruit and vegetables, herbs and other crops organically,
  • raising poultry, sheep and goats,
  • nutrition and creating a balanced diet,
  • alternative energy supplies,
  • permaculture, and sustainable agriculture
  • alternative energy.

“This is a certificate level course that provides the skills to earn extra income as a consultant in this field. Be self-sufficient and earn money too.” - Adriana Fraser Cert.Hort., Cert.Child Care, Adv.Cert.App.Mgt., Cert 1V Assessment and Training, Adv.Dip.Hort., ACS Tutor.

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Self Sufficiency I

Lessons icon 8 lessons
Duration icon 100 hours
Qualification icon Statement of Attainment
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

Learn how to live self-sufficiently in this modern age!

Develop your ability to be self-sufficient. Learn about food and nutrition, and making the right decisions about changes in lifestyle; as well as showing you how to do a whole range of practical things such as:

  • Mud brick building.
  • Making crafts.
  • Growing fruit, vegetables, herbs, and other crops.
  • Raising poultry, sheep and goats.
  • Extending the life of clothing.
  • Conserving energy.
  • Recycling.
  • Simple home medical care and first aid, and lots more.
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Self Sufficiency II

Lessons icon 10 lessons
Duration icon 100 hours
Qualification icon Statement of Attainment
  Learning methods available: This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning

 LEARN TRADITIONAL FOOD PRODUCTION & PROCESSING - SELF SUFFICIENT

This unique course takes you another step on your road to self sufficiency. In this course you will learn to:

  • Make your own cheese
  • Learn to grow, harvest, preserve and store food
  • Learn production of milk and eggs
  • Home study, self paced course
  • Save your self time and money

Learn to be self sufficient with your food. You learn about nutrition and how to balance your diet, as well as how to produce, process, store, and use different types of food. This includes berries, nuts, milk, cheese, eggs, bread making, preserves, & dried food. Cooking, freezing, drying, bottling, making bread, planning a vegetable garden to give produce all year round, and lots more are covered during the ten lessons.

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