Online Class: Introduction to Gardening

Transform your backyard into a botanical haven with this comprehensive course that covers fundamental gardening techniques, plant propagation, and the creation of specialty gardens tailored to your interests. Harness the therapeutic power of gardening as you learn to connect with nature and make impactful ecological contributions.

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  • 11
    Lessons
  • 23
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 6,411
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 6
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.6
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

The Art and Science of Gardening: A Beginner's Comprehensive Guide

When the first bloom of spring paints the landscape with vibrant colors, many find themselves inspired by the allure of nurturing life in their backyards. Does your neighbor's verdant oasis often leave you in awe? Have you ever gazed at a garden and wished you had the know-how to cultivate such a thriving space?

Recent data suggests that about 77% of American households are actively participating in gardening, showcasing a surge in its popularity. As nature weaves its magic, more and more people want to participate but often face a dilemma: where to start?

Our comprehensive course, Basic Gardening, is meticulously curated to guide budding gardeners through every stage of the process, ensuring that your green dreams translate into verdant realities.

Lesson One: Gardening Basics Dive deep into the foundation of gardening. Understand the vital plant parts, their functions, and the journey from tiny seeds to bearing fruits.

Lesson Two: Where to Start Positioning is crucial. Learn how sunlight, shade, and wind patterns can significantly affect plant growth. Evaluate potential spots in your yard or balcony to determine the most viable gardening space.

Lesson Three: Secrets to Great Soil Did you know that nearly 85% of plant issues are directly tied to soil health? Unlock the mysteries of soil composition, pH balance, and the magic of microorganisms that create a fertile environment.

Lesson Four: Garden Maintenance From timely watering to pruning and more, grasp the various techniques to ensure your plants remain healthy and robust.

Lesson Five: Pest Control Ward off common pests using eco-friendly solutions. Delve into natural remedies and preventive measures that safeguard your plants from unwanted intruders.

Lesson Six: Solutions to Difficult Gardening Address challenges like inadequate sunlight, poor soil quality, or limited space. Explore container gardening, vertical gardens, and other innovative solutions to overcome gardening hurdles.

Lesson Seven: Plant Propagation Multiply the beauty! Learn about cuttings, grafting, layering, and other methods to expand your garden without always buying new plants.

Lesson Eight: Flower Garden Cultivate a vibrant canvas of blossoms. Discover popular flower species, their care routines, and design principles to create visually stunning floral setups.

Lesson Nine: Vegetable Garden Why buy when you can grow? From juicy tomatoes to crisp lettuce, uncover the joy of harvesting fresh produce right from your backyard.

Lesson Ten: Herb Garden Elevate your culinary skills by growing a variety of aromatic herbs. Understand their growth patterns, benefits, and uses in everyday cooking.

Lesson Eleven: Specialty Gardens For those seeking something unique. Dive into themed gardens like butterfly gardens, rock gardens, or water gardens. Discover the special care and attention these gardens demand.

Furthermore, our course also emphasizes the profound ecological impact of gardening. By understanding and embracing sustainable gardening practices, we can contribute to a healthier planet. The role of composting, often dubbed as black gold by gardening experts, will be delved into, enlightening you about its significance in boosting soil health and reducing waste.

Gardening is not just a hobby; it's a therapeutic journey where you connect deeply with nature. By the end of this course, you'll be equipped with a treasure trove of knowledge, setting you on a path to cultivate gardens that are not just visually delightful but also environmentally conscious.

Join us, and let's sow the seeds of knowledge, nurturing them into a garden of wisdom.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.4 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(3,863 votes)

Lesson 1. Cultivating Renewal: Understanding the Basics of Gardening

Gardening's allure lies in its ability to connect people with nature, offering both visual and edible rewards. This lesson imparts essential plant knowledge, ensuring gardeners understand roots, stems, and leaves, enhancing both garden success and personal growth. 31 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-WordSearch-7900.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson One: Gardening Basics
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Gardening 101: The Art and Science of Planning Your Green Space

Gardening blends historical insights and personal goals to establish a vibrant space, reflecting both beauty and utility. Choose the right location and assess your environment to ensure your garden thrives, whether you seek aesthetic pleasure, culinary yield, or a tranquil retreat. 22 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-WordSearch-7902.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson Two: Where to Start
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. Unlocking the Secrets to Garden Success: Mastering Soil Health

Clay soils hold water but risk root suffocation, sandy soils drain well but lack nutrient retention, while loam is the ideal mix. Amending these soils with organic matter and understanding pH balance ensures that plants receive the optimal environment for growth. Additional lesson topics: Compost Pile Tips; Best Soil for Flowers 29 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-WordSearch-7904.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson Three: Secrets to Great Soil
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. Ongoing Garden Care: Ensuring Year-Round Growth

Embrace gardening not just as a seasonal activity but as a year-round commitment, where tasks like watering, fertilizing, and seasonal care are critical. By integrating composting and strategic planning, you'll foster sustainable practices and encourage plant vitality all year. 31 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-WordSearch-7906.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson Four: Garden Maintenance
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. Garden Defenders: Keeping Pests at Bay

Successful gardening is about embracing eco-friendly pest control methods to preserve both your garden and the surrounding ecosystem. This lesson offers practical solutions and research-backed strategies to keep unwanted visitors at bay while promoting plant health. 22 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-WordSearch-7908.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson Five: Pest and Disease Control
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

Lesson 6. Navigating Difficult Gardening Situations: Strategies for Success

Container gardening offers a flexible, accessible solution to those with limited space, making it possible to grow plants virtually anywhere that has sunlight. Its benefits include mobility, soil control, and ease for those with mobility limitations, transforming balconies and windowsills into productive gardens. 29 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-WordSearch-7910.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson Six: Solutions to Difficult Gardening
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. The Art and Science of Growing New Life

Plant propagation offers gardeners a satisfying way to expand their gardens by using seeds, cuttings, or divisions. Through methods like softwood cuttings or indoor seed starting, gardeners can nurture vibrant plants while enjoying the journey of growth and discovery. 21 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-WordSearch-7912.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson Seven: Plant Propagation
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. From Seed to Bloom: A Guide to Flower Gardening

Planting a garden is more than a hobby; it is an opportunity to connect with nature and express creativity through plant selection and garden design. Successful flower gardens require careful attention to planting locations, bloom timings, and landscape harmony to create a peaceful, thriving space. 4 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-WordSearch-7914.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson Eight: Flower Garden

Lesson 9. Seeds to Satisfaction: The Rewarding World of Vegetable Gardening

Growing a home vegetable garden offers both the delight of fresh produce and the satisfaction of seeing plants thrive from seed to harvest. Whether you're new to gardening or experienced, this guide covers all essential steps, from planning and choosing plants to suitable seasonal planting and composting. 15 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-9-WordSearch-7916.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson Nine: Vegetable Garden
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Review Exam

Lesson 10. Herb Gardens: The Beauty of Nature and Flavor

Herb gardening provides both culinary delights and natural beauty, with a rich variety of annual and perennial plants like basil and lavender to suit any garden style and purpose. Novices and seasoned gardeners alike can enjoy cultivating herbs in window planters or larger garden beds for cooking, healing, or cosmetic uses. 21 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-WordSearch-7918.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson Ten: Herb Garden
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Review Exam

Lesson 11. The Art of Creating Specialty Gardens: A Guide to Nature's Wonders

From butterflies to moonlit tranquility, specialty gardens cater to specific interests and wildlife, offering endless creative possibilities. This lesson provides detailed advice to help you cultivate gardens that are tailored to your passions and bring peace to your life. 74 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-WordSearch-7920.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: Your Opinion Matters: Course Rating; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson Eleven: Specialty Gardens
  • Assessment: Final Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Review Exam
299
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate the ability to transplant plants effectively by handling roots with care to ensure successful establishment in a new location.
  • Recognize the process of seed germination and identify the differences between monocotyledons and dicotyledons in garden plants.
  • Demonstrate the ability to select appropriate plants for your garden by evaluating climate considerations and potential obstacles according to USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map guidelines
  • Identify the optimal garden layout based on sunlight exposure and soil quality by observing and assessing your chosen area on a sunny day
  • Demonstrate the process of testing soil pH and interpreting the results to guide soil amendment decisions.
  • Identify the characteristics of different soil types (clay, sandy, loam) and explain how each affects plant growth.
  • Demonstrate the use of various watering systems like hoses, soaker hoses, and micro-watering systems to efficiently meet garden plant water requirements.
  • Recognize the different water needs of arid, moisture-loving, and average plants to properly tailor garden watering schedules.
  • Demonstrate how to implement companion planting techniques to naturally deter pests and enhance plant growth in a garden setting.
  • Define at least three eco-friendly pest control methods and describe their impact on maintaining a balanced garden ecosystem.
  • Demonstrate the ability to construct a raised bed suitable for improving soil conditions and enhancing drainage for plant growth
  • Describe how container gardening can be utilized to effectively grow plants in limited space
  • Demonstrate the ability to take a softwood cutting, apply rooting hormone, and successfully root it in a sterile potting medium.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Introduction to Gardening
Course Number: 7550054
Lessons Rating: 4.4 / 5 Stars (3,863 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: You can take this course online in every U.S. state including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. International availability includes English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and South Africa.
Last Updated: February 2024
CEU Value: 0.6 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Cathleen Chouinard
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "Loved this course. I feel like I have learned a lot about gardening and ways to improve my yard. It is very helpful. I now feel like I'm prepared to plan out my garden and learn even more about gardening as I put what I learned into practice." -- Nohely G.
  • "Loved taking this course, very informative and the instructor graded my work very quickly and provided positive, encouraging feedback that made me smile I would definitely recommend this course to anyone interested in gardening." -- Gabriela R.
  • "I wanted to know more about gardening and I learned tons. The information was presented in an interesting way and the instructor was great." -- Martica P.
  • "This instructor is excellent. I would really enjoy taking another course from this instructor. Very organized and motivating!" -- Tonia C.
  • "Instructor was prompt with feedback and grading. Was a great experience!" -- Carrie M.
  • "The instructor is very friendly and helpful. I enjoy her comments and her style of teaching online." -- Susan M.
  • "I loved this course as i have great interest." -- Geraldine O.
  • "Loved the course and the whole experience." -- Laree P.
  • "Instructor was very good and attentive." -- Lucinda M.
  • "Fun course! Great teacher!" -- Muffett V.