The depths of winter are a time for gardeners to take a much-deserved break, but it is also a great opportunity to sharpen your skills and explore new ideas—or just daydream about garden possibilities. Today there is a profusion of online gardening classes, webinars, and lectures, ranging from beginner lessons to advanced niche topics. But how do you go about finding the right one for you? Below, we’ve put together a list of places where you can find high-quality gardening classes online.
Featured photograph above by Deborah Grace, courtesy of Create Academy.
Online Learning Platforms
If you’re looking for a high dose of visual inspiration along with your learning, we’ll point you directly to Create Academy. Founded by a British television producer, the gardening and floristry classes offered through Create Academy get rave reviews from pro gardeners and amateurs alike. ​​Naturalistic landscape designer Dan Pearsons’s two courses, in particular, received high praises. Masterclass, the most well-known online learning platform, offers only one online gardening class, which is taught by Ron Finley; it’s geared towards growing your own food, with an emphasis on small and unusual spaces.Â
Colleges and Universities
To find a class that addresses your region or garden type, start your search locally. Nearby universities that have a horticulture program and your state’s cooperative extension may offer online classes that are better tailored to your specific bioregion than classes that are designed to appeal to a broad range of gardeners. Oregon State University, for instance, offers its Master Gardener classes online as one-off learning opportunities (these do not lead to Master Gardener certification). And don’t forget community colleges that may have online classes—like SUNY Westchester Community College, which has courses on native plant communities and bird friendly gardening. Search institutions in your city, state, and nearby states to find the content most relevant to your region
Public Gardens