When looking for the best gardening courses, a gardener should consider both the overall quality of the courses available as well as their own unique needs and goals as a gardener. For some gardeners, especially those with a basic understanding of the basics, free online classes may be ideal. Many schools, communities, and universities offer hands-on gardening classes that are beneficial to both beginners and experts. In every case, a gardener should select courses that are appropriate for the climate zone and region in which they will be planting.
Before enrolling in any gardening classes, a student should think about what he or she wants to learn and find classes that will teach them that. Some classes, for example, may concentrate on the decorative aspects of gardening and include information on decorative structures and landscape architecture. Other gardening classes are geared toward men and women who want to grow plants for their own consumption or for sale and aren’t concerned with aesthetics.
Many gardening courses are available on the internet. Some are provided by or through universities or government agencies, while others are the result of the efforts of dedicated amateurs. When choosing an online gardening course, it’s a good idea to read any reviews left by students who have already completed the course. These can help determine how accurate and effective a course is. Users of online courses should make certain that any course they choose provides advice that is appropriate for their region and climate zone.
Community colleges and universities offer a wide range of courses. These courses can be free, but they usually come with a small fee. Plants and techniques appropriate for that region will be featured in any class offered in that region, reducing planting errors and the accidental introduction of non-native species.
Hands-on learning is a feature of many local gardening classes. For people who learn best by doing, this type of classroom experience can be extremely beneficial. Gardening techniques can be practiced under the supervision of a knowledgeable expert who can ensure that the techniques are correctly learned. Some community and university gardening classes include access to a shared garden space, allowing for even more guided hands-on experience.
Some gardeners may only require assistance with a single problem, in which case traditional gardening courses may appear to be a waste of time. The Internet offers a wide range of specific classes on topics ranging from the control of specific pests to the proper care of specific plant varieties. Local colleges will frequently offer horticulture classes that address current horticulture issues. Local government agencies and university extension services can point gardeners in the right direction for the answers to their questions.