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.


May

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.
254AGA300AO 05/01 Th 12:00am-11:59pm ONLINE-FLEX

Learn how to create a container garden for your patio, terrace, or entryway that's both functional and gorgeous-and helps your plants thrive in all four seasons.
254GAR327O 05/02 Fr 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
ONLINE

Learn the basics of successfully cultivating perennials in a variety of garden settings. Discussion topicsinclude site selection, soil preparation, tools, planting techniques, maintenance practices, plant selection, landscape use, and design basics.

more...
254GAR323O 05/05 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Cappello-Ruggiero
ONLINE

Learn how to plant and care for a healthy, organic tomato garden. We'll explore how to create trellises, manage pests and diseases, devise a fertilizing regimen, and select and store your most successful plants' seeds.
254GAR143O 05/06 Tu 6:15pm-7:45pm Novak
ONLINE

Take your knowledge of botanical nomenclature to the next level. In this course, you'll look closely at plants to better understand and identify their diversity and similarities. Examining plant structures can seem tricky, as some resemble each other but belong more...
254GAR366O 05/06 Tu 10:30am-12:30pm Bakshi
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.
254HRT300C 05/07 We 5:00pm-7:00pm Finley
NYBG

Choosing the right spot to plant your peonies is key to growing large, sumptuous blooms with little to no maintenance. Get tips for planting, cultivating, and propagating this springtime showstopper from Dan Furman of Cricket Hill Garden, affectionately known as more...
254GAR242 05/10 Sa 11:00am-2:00pm Furman
NYBG

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.
254GAR301BO 05/14 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Cappello-Ruggiero
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.
254HRT358D 05/16 Fr 10:00am-12:40pm Simeone
NYBG

Containers can bring added color, form, and texture to any space-deck, rooftop, terrace, front porch, or window sill. With the right combination of plants, containers provide visual impact, create a small garden, and add pleasure to your living area. Sun more...
254GAR200A 05/17 Sa 10:00am-5:00pm Weinstein
Tyson-Strait
Satch
NYBG

Learn the basics for planting and maintaining a healthy outdoor container garden: materials and container styles, potting mixes, fertilization, and watering.
254GAR200B 05/17 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Weinstein
NYBG

Learn a comprehensive approach to designing with containers, including how, when, where and why you should use a particular pot in one spot over another. Gain tips and tricks for great plant combinations in containers of all kinds and walk more...
254GAR200C 05/17 Sa 12:45pm-2:45pm Tyson-Strait
NYBG

Learn how to grow garden-fresh vegetables and herbs year-round. Discover which varieties do best in containers and how to care for them. Special attention is paid to those varieties that not only taste great but also look beautiful, including varieties more...
254GAR200D 05/17 Sa 3:00pm-5:00pm Satch
NYBG

Learn sustainable garden and landscape maintenance techniques, including planting methods, plant care, and maintenance regimens for trees, shrubs, lawn, and perennial gardens. Discuss site analysis and plant selection, organic gardening practices, and how to create a calendar of landscape and more...
254GAR440A 05/28 We 4:30pm-7:30pm Weinstein
NYBG

Learn how to create a container garden for your patio, terrace, or entryway that's both functional and gorgeous-and helps your plants thrive in all four seasons.
254GAR327B 05/29 Th 11:00am-1:00pm Gonzalez
NYBG

Understand how the qualities of soil affect the overall productivity of plants and make sustainable gardening practices possible. Practical application of theory is stressed. Topics include soil formation, physical properties of soil, soil-water relationships, and management techniques such as irrigation, more...
254GAR302BO 05/30 Fr 10:00am-12:00pm Bulpitt
ONLINE

Woody plants are the foundation of every garden plan. Learn how to use evergreens such as Rhododendron and Holly, and deciduous stalwarts such as Hydrangea, Lilac, and Viburnum, in formal or naturalistic schemes, to create year-round beauty and interest in more...
254GAR359BL 05/31 Sa 11:00am-1:00pm Beyers
BLENDED

June

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.
254AGA300BO 06/01 Su 12:00am-11:59pm ONLINE-FLEX

Learn principles and techniques of plant propagation by seed and cuttings. Explore basic sexual and asexual propagation, focusing on fruit development, seedling production, root initiation, stem and leaf cuttings, and layering.
254HRT411A 06/02 Mo 5:30pm-8:30pm Weinstein
NYBG

Small steps can have big effects. Learn how the plants you choose and the landscape practices you use can help reduce the impacts of climate change and improve the environment around you.
254GAR379O 06/03 Tu 6:00pm-8:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
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...
254GAR317 06/04 We 6:00pm-8:40pm Rosiello
NYBG

Learn how to use native plants and native gardening practices to enhance garden ecosystems and increase biodiversity. Study native herbaceous and woody plants: their identification, habitat, and culture. Discover how to promote a healthy environment using native spring ephemerals, herbaceous more...
254GAR315A 06/07 Sa 10:00am-1:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
NYBG

Celebrated artist, potter, and gardener Frances Palmer encourages the idea of planning and planting a flower garden in waves—ensuring that there is always an abundance of blooms and a continual flow of colors, heights, and shapes that provides endless inspiration more...
254GAR834 06/12 Th 10:30am-11:30am Palmer
MERTZLIBRARY

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.
254HRT358E 06/14 Sa 10:00am-12:40pm D'Antonio
NYBG

Learn the fundamentals for turning ordinary nursery stock into a living work of art. This workshop covers the major styles of bonsai along with plant and container selection, branch and root pruning, wiring, and potting. more...
254GAR912 06/15 Su 11:00am-3:00pm Dillon
NYBG

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.
254GAR301CO 06/21 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Beyers
ONLINE

Examine the use of plants in the garden, with an emphasis on choosing the right plant for the right place based on site-specific design and maintenance criteria. Learn aspects of special garden values such as size, texture, color, as well more...
254GAR374O 06/22 Su 4:00pm-6:40pm Beyers
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.
254HRT300DO 06/22 Su 10:00am-12:00pm Simeone
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...
254CKG207O 06/25 We 6:00pm-7:30pm Michelotti
ONLINE

Survey the modern green and biophilic hospital design movement as well as the myriad benefits of green spaces within a clinical environment, for families and caregivers alike. You'll review the architectural history of the hospital—from the basilica through Frank Lloyd more...
254WEL212O 06/27 Fr 7:00pm-8:00pm Morrison
ONLINE

July

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.
261AGA300CO 07/01 Tu 12:00am-11:59pm ONLINE-FLEX

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.
261HRT358A 07/01 Tu 10:00am-12:40pm Nolan
NYBG

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.
261GAR301 07/07 Mo 2:00pm-4:00pm Ruggiero
NYBG

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.
261GAR950 07/07 Mo 9:00am-4:00pm Ruggiero
Cheng
Gabel
Gonzalez
Eierman, EcoBeneficial
Rosiello
NYBG

Understand how the qualities of soil affect the overall productivity of plants and make sustainable gardening practices possible. Practical application of theory is stressed. Topics include soil formation, physical properties of soil, soil-water relationships, and management techniques such as irrigation, more...
261GAR302 07/08 Tu 1:00pm-4:00pm Cheng
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.
261HRT300E 07/10 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Halane
NYBG

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.
261GAR301DO 07/13 Su 10:00am-12:00pm Beyers
ONLINE

Pest identification is key to maintaining a healthy, beautiful garden. Learn to identify which insects are pests and which are beneficial to your home garden. Learn the most common orders of insects and the damage they can cause, as well more...
261GAR320 07/14 Mo 9:00am-12:00pm Gabel
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.
261HRT358 07/14 Mo 1:00pm-4:00pm Ruggiero
NYBG

Learn how to create a container garden for your patio, terrace, or entryway that's both functional and gorgeous-and helps your plants thrive in all four seasons.
261GAR327 07/21 Mo 9:00am-4:00pm Gonzalez
NYBG

Learn how to use native plants and native gardening practices to enhance garden ecosystems and increase biodiversity. Study native herbaceous and woody plants: their identification, habitat, and culture. Discover how to promote a healthy environment using native spring ephemerals, herbaceous more...
261GAR315 07/22 Tu 9:00am-12:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
NYBG

This class introduces basic garden design principles using the interplay of structural features, plant characteristics, and site assessment. Learn to creatively combine trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and bulbs based on color, shape, texture, and size.
261GAR342B 07/22 Tu 1:00pm-4:00pm Rosiello
NYBG

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...
261CKG200 07/26 Sa 11:00am-2:00pm Davis
NYBG

Discover plants native to our region that flower in summer, such as Hairy Penstemon, Spotted Beebalm, Shrubby St. John's Wort, and Northern Bush Honeysuckle. Learn how to choose the right plants for your landscape conditions and explore the benefits they more...
261GAR212 07/26 Sa 10:00am-1:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
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.
261HRT358D 07/28 Mo 9:00am-12:00pm Ruggiero
NYBG

This class introduces basic garden design principles using the interplay of structural features, plant characteristics, and site assessment. Learn to creatively combine trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and bulbs based on color, shape, texture, and size.
261GAR342 07/29 Tu 1:00pm-3:30pm Rosiello
NYBG

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.
261AGA300DO 08/01 Fr 12:00am-11:59pm ONLINE-FLEX

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. Create a compote to top your summer desserts; prepare for fall with warming spices; or more...
261CKG231 08/02 Sa 11:00am-2:00pm Davis
NYBG

Whether you are just beginning your gardening journey or looking for expert advice on how to make your garden more robust, this class will provide a detailed overview of a variety of shrubs, perennials, and annuals that have been identified more...
261GAR161O 08/03 Su 10:00am-12:00pm Ballato
ONLINE

Study the entire cannabis growing cycle, including best practices for critical harvest and post-harvest procedures, and how artificial lighting and carbon dioxide enrichment can help maximize production. We'll discuss the pros and cons of different grow sites and media, with more...
261HRT156O 08/06 We 6:00pm-8:00pm DeBacco
Crosson
ONLINE

Wondering what to do with your bounty of tomatoes? Preserve them, of course! We will show you the best ways to process and hot pack your harvest, with a simple method borrowed from industrial canning. We'll make a chili tomato more...
261CKG226 08/09 Sa 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.
261HRT300FO 08/11 Mo 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.
261GAR431O 08/13 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Storrs
ONLINE

Return to great-grandma's tried-and-true process to make pickled cucumbers in three styles—spicy dill, sweet bread-and-butter, and zesty relish. Designedfor beginners, this class covers the basics—from recipes to food prep to sterilizing. You'll pick up tips and tricks for pickling all more...
261CKG221 08/14 Th 11:00am-3:00pm Davis
NYBG

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.
261GAR301EO 08/15 Fr 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
ONLINE

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.
261GAR145O 08/17 Su 10:00am-12:00pm Ballato
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.
261HRT358B 08/20 We 1:00pm-3:40pm Tyson-Strait
NYBG

Don't let a lack of sun cast a shadow on your garden! Find out which plants thrive in shady conditions while bringing charm and color. You'll see how to expand your palette from reliable standards such as hosta and plant more...
261GAR142 08/24 Su 10:30am-1:30pm Ballato
NYBG

September

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.
261AGA300EO 09/01 Mo 12:00am-11:59pm ONLINE-FLEX

Myths abound about how hard it is to care for this ever-popular flowering plant. Dispel them with plenty of sensible advice on how to treat a variety of orchids including Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Oncidium, Dendrobium, and more. Light, water, nutrients, repotting, more...
261GAR213O 09/08 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Satch
ONLINE

Design, plant, and harvest a cutting garden that's productive throughout the seasons. You'll get hands-on practice starting seeds to ensure you always have something fresh to cut. We'll cover traditional and unexpected annual and perennial cut flower species and varieties more...
261HRT142O 09/10 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Breyer
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.
261HRT300GO 09/10 We 10:30am-12:30pm Day
ONLINE

Learn how to use native plants and native gardening practices to enhance garden ecosystems and increase biodiversity. Study native herbaceous and woody plants: their identification, habitat, and culture. Discover how to promote a healthy environment using native spring ephemerals, herbaceous more...
261GAR315B 09/13 Sa 10:00am-2:30pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
NYBG

Pest identification is key to maintaining a healthy, beautiful garden. Learn to identify which insects are pests and which are beneficial to your home garden. Learn the most common orders of insects and the damage they can cause, as well more...
261GAR320O 09/13 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Kokinchak
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.
261HRT358C 09/13 Sa 10:00am-12:40pm D'Antonio
NYBG

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.
261GAR301F 09/14 Su 10:00am-12:00pm Ruggiero
NYBG

Learn principles and techniques of plant propagation by seed and cuttings. Explore basic sexual and asexual propagation, focusing on fruit development, seedling production, root initiation, stem and leaf cuttings, and layering.
261HRT411B 09/16 Tu 5:30pm-8:30pm Weinstein
NYBG

It's essential to identify plant diseases before they become widespread in your garden. Explore the basics of disease management, and learn how the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can help you maintain a strong and healthy garden.

Note: This class more...
261GAR324BO 09/18 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Kokinchak
ONLINE

Learn sustainable garden and landscape maintenance techniques, including planting methods, plant care, and maintenance regimens for trees, shrubs, lawn, and perennial gardens. Discuss site analysis and plant selection, organic gardening practices, and how to create a calendar of landscape and more...
261GAR440BO 09/18 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Cappello-Ruggiero
ONLINE

Explore the many classifications of heirloom roses as you delve into their history, lore, and beauty. You'll gain a better understanding of the importance of this beloved flower type and why we must continue to grow and maintain them in more...
261GAR290 09/20 Sa 11:00am-1:00pm Moore
NYBG

Since autumn is the optimum season to plant bulbs, now is the time to decide what will work best in your garden. In this class, you'll receive an overview of bulbs-what they are and how to properly plant them. Common more...
261GAR287O 09/22 Mo 6:00pm-7:30pm Hagen
ONLINE

Put all your garden ideas into practice with this practical overview of the best layout plans and circulation patterns. Learn how to analyze space and proportions to create a coherent landscape design that complements both home and garden.
261GAR222O 09/25 Th 6:30pm-8:30pm Rosiello
ONLINE

Learn how to create a container garden for your patio, terrace, or entryway that's both functional and gorgeous-and helps your plants thrive in all four seasons.
261GAR327CO 09/26 Fr 10:00am-12:00pm Gonzalez
ONLINE