Gardening Classes

Today more and more people are realizing the physical, social, and psychological benefits of working with nature, and home and community gardening is a great way to make that connection. Whether you are new to gardening or already working in the field, NYBG's gardening classes are a great place to increase your knowledge and improve your skills. Taught by top professionals, each course provides cutting-edge information on ecologically responsible garden care and design, including plant use, soil husbandry, composting, and pest control. Lectures are supported by hands-on study on the Garden's historic grounds. Enroll in a course for fun or pursue a Certificate.

Click here for an overview of the Certificate Program.


July

In just three weeks, complete more than 40% of the coursework required for the Gardening Certificate and gain a solid base in the principles of environmentally sound gardening from expert professionals.
271GAR950 07/06 Mo 9:00am-4:00pm Ruggiero
Himmelman
Gabel
Tyson-Strait
Eierman, EcoBeneficial
Rosiello
NYBG

Whether in a shady corner or a sunny border, selecting the right plant combinations makes the difference between a ho-hum garden and one that gets rave reviews. Concentrating on perennials, learn to use color, texture, height, and bloom when combining more...
271GAR173O 07/10 Fr 10:30am-12:30pm Forster
ONLINE

This user-friendly intro course surveys the major plant groups-flowering plants, conifers, ferns, and bryophytes-focusing on their form and structure. Become botanically literate and gain practical experience in dissecting and analyzing plant structures.
271HRT300C 07/12 Su 11:00am-2:00pm Halane
NYBG

Learn how to select the best fruit, nut, and berry trees or shrubs for your garden. In this class, you'll cover best practices for planting and long-term care, winter and summer pruning, pest and disease prevention, and more. Special consideration more...
271GAR378O 07/14 Tu 6:00pm-8:00pm Beyers
ONLINE

Explore the basics of successful, environmentally friendly gardening. Topics include soils and their improvement, seed sowing, vegetative propagation, planting, pruning, watering, weeding, mulching, and disease and pest control. This course is also required for the Therapeutic Horticulture Certificate.
271GAR301BO 07/17 Fr 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
ONLINE

Good garden design isn't easy, but for anyone with a passion for plants, a little imagination, and proper guidance, it is possible to succeed. Learn the basics of garden design, review examples that work for different architectural styles and site more...
271GAR317O 07/20 Mo 6:00pm-8:40pm Beyers
ONLINE

August

Whether you live in a house with a backyard or an apartment with no access to green space, you can compost! Led by NYBG experts, this course will guide you through the fundamental principles of composting.
271AGA300EO 08/01 Sa 12:00am-11:59pm ONLINE-FLEX

Learn the essential pruning techniques for woody plants used by NYBG experts. In this course, our plant professionals will guide you through the key principles of pruning woody plants such as small trees and shrubs.
271PLT140E 08/01   ONLINE-FLEX

Learn how to grow a variety of plants in pots and planters for your patio, terrace, front porch or even windowsill that's both functional and gorgeous in any season. This course teaches you the basics of choosing and using materials more...
271PLT150E 08/01   ONLINE-FLEX

Get a little messy making seasonal berry jam! Learn different methods of jamming that use less sugar and no additives or pectin. You'll come away with three delicious jams that will transport you back to summer whenever you reach for more...
271CKG200 08/02 Su 11:00am-2:00pm Davis
NYBG

Wondering what to do with your bounty of tomatoes? Preserve them, of course! We will show you the best ways to process your harvest in a boiling water bath. Whether crushed, halved, whole, or a sweet and spicy condiment, be more...
271CKG226 08/07 Fr 11:00am-3:00pm Davis
NYBG

This user-friendly intro course surveys the major plant groups-flowering plants, conifers, ferns, and bryophytes-focusing on their form and structure. Become botanically literate and gain practical experience in dissecting and analyzing plant structures.
271HRT300DO 08/11 Tu 6:00pm-8:00pm Thomson
ONLINE

Examine pre-planting procedures, from soil preparation to crop rotation planning. Study the timing and techniques of planting, pest management, and harvest and post-harvest handling. Survey heirloom varieties, new cultivars, and classic selections.
271GAR431O 08/12 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Storrs
ONLINE

Choose the right plant for the right place, based on site-specific design and maintenance criteria. Learn landscape values such as size, texture, color, and flowering and fruiting seasons. Review trees, shrubs, groundcovers, annuals, and perennials suitable for this region.
271HRT358D 08/12 We 10:00am-12:40pm Tyson-Strait
NYBG

Discover how to get the best from a large array of hydrangeas that can bloom multiple times. Find out how to make these rebloomers sing with later season color. Hint: Pruning isn't always the way to improve plant performance.
271GAR145 08/16 Su 11:00am-1:00pm Ballato
ONLINE

Mushrooms have been utilized for thousands of years for medicinal and edible purposes. John Michelotti, owner of Catskill Fungi, will show you how to cultivate gourmet mushrooms at home using safe and simple techniques. Using cardboard and coffee grounds, create more...
271CKG207O 08/20 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Michelotti
ONLINE

Learn time-honored canning techniques to extend the bounty of your favorite stone fruits, such as peaches, plums, apricots and more, long after summer has passed. From jam to chutney to mustard, we'll prepare for the fall and winter seasons with more...
271CKG231 08/22 Sa 11:00am-2:00pm Davis
NYBG

Choose the right plant for the right place, based on site-specific design and maintenance criteria. Learn landscape values such as size, texture, color, and flowering and fruiting seasons. Review trees, shrubs, groundcovers, annuals, and perennials suitable for this region.
271HRT358FBL 08/22 Sa 1:00pm-3:40pm Simeone
BLENDED

Explore the basics of successful, environmentally friendly gardening. Topics include soils and their improvement, seed sowing, vegetative propagation, planting, pruning, watering, weeding, mulching, and disease and pest control. This course is also required for the Therapeutic Horticulture Certificate.
271GAR301CO 08/26 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Bakis
ONLINE
Load all classes