Online Class: Introduction to Gardening

This course will take you from the basic plant parts, and why they are important all the way to the production of fruit. You will discover the importance of having good soil, and what that means, and how to correct it in your yard.

Self-Paced, Online Class
Barrie Public Library
 
  • 11
    Lessons
  • 13
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 6,248
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 6
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.6
    CEUs
  •  
    Video Audit
    Available
 
 
 

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:
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.37 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(3,830 votes)
  • Lesson 1: Gardening Beginnings

    Spring ushers in a season of renewal, awakening a deep-rooted urge to garden, whether through vibrant flowers or homegrown vegetables. This lesson guides novices through the basics, connecting people to nature, with invaluable insights into plant life cycles and care practices.
  • Lesson 2: Planting Paths: A Guide to Starting Your Garden

    Potential obstacles like shade, tree roots, and poor water drainage must be considered when choosing a garden location, as they can significantly impact plant growth and success. Raised beds can mitigate root competition, while proper drainage is key to preventing waterlogged soils.
  • Lesson 3: The Foundation of a Successful Garden: Mastering Soil Health

    Testing soil pH reveals essential information for gardening, guiding what plants to grow and how to amend the soil. Garden plants generally thrive in slightly acidic to neutral conditions, between pH 6.0 and 7.5.
  • Lesson 4: Essentials of Garden Care: A Simple Guide

    Gardening is a continuous learning journey, where experimentation and occasional failures lead to new insights and improved skills. Sharing experiences and forming community connections enriches the gardening process, adding layers of joy and camaraderie to individual successes and challenges.
  • Lesson 5: Natural Pest Control Tactics for a Flourishing Garden

    Garden pests range from insects to mammals, testing your green thumb with their damaging habits. This guide provides insights and strategies rooted in research and personal anecdotes to help you manage these adversaries effectively.
  • Lesson 6: Overcoming Gardening Challenges: Transforming Obstacles into Opportunities

    Gardening is a rewarding hobby with challenges like limited space and poor soil, and this guide helps turn those into opportunities using practical strategies and personal experiences. Start with small gardens to gain confidence and explore techniques like container gardening and raised beds to manage space effectively.
  • Lesson 7: Propagation Basics

    Plant propagation is a beloved gardening technique that saves on costs and allows for experimenting with plant diversity in your garden. From cuttings to seeds, and even grafting, these methods provide rewarding results and a deeper connection to nature.
  • Lesson 8: The Art of Flower Gardening: Tips for a Flourishing Oasis

    From beginners to seasoned botanists, flower gardens offer creativity coupled with scientific precision, transforming spaces with color and life. Visiting nurseries and learning plant needs is crucial for successfully tailoring your garden to its environment and enjoying an evolving, artistic garden experience.
  • Lesson 9: Grow Your Own Food: A Guide to Vegetable Gardening

    Starting a vegetable garden can transform your backyard into a cornucopia of fresh food, catering to your family's tastes. Success lies in choosing the right vegetables, understanding the timing of planting, and maintaining your garden with dedication.
  • Lesson 10: Crafting an Herb Haven: From Culinary Delights to Natural Remedies

    Start an herb garden to enjoy home-grown ingredients, medicinal uses, and cosmetic applications, all while enhancing your garden's appearance. This comprehensive guide details everything from selecting easy-to-grow herbs to innovative garden designs for any space.
  • Lesson 11: The Enchantment of Crafted Gardens

    Specialty gardens provide a personalized gardening experience, catering to specific themes and interests like attracting wildlife or creating serene retreats. This lesson guides you through different specialty gardens, offering insights and examples to create spaces that bring joy and tranquility.
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe where to start.
  • Describe the secrets to great soil.
  • Summarize garden maintenance.
  • Summarize pest and disease control.
  • Summarize solutions to difficult gardening.
  • Describe plant propagation.
  • Summarize how to create a flower garden.
  • Summarize how to create a vegetable garden.
  • Summarize how to create a herb garden.
  • 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: 4.37 / 5 Stars (3,830 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Enroll in this course from any U.S. state, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also accessible to learners in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and South Africa.
Last Updated: February 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
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.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Cathleen Chouinard
Syllabus: View Syllabus

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.