Gardening Certificate Classes

The NYBG Gardening Certificate Program provides in depth courses on sustainable gardening techniques, soil science, plant propagation, and garden maintenance design for the home gardener. Regional experts guide you through the art and science of plant selection and care for home or small-scale residential/urban/community gardens and greening projects.

Click here for an overview of the required courses and electives.


April

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.
234GAR327AO 04/13 Th 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
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.
234HRT358A 04/15 Sa 10:00am-12:40pm D'Antonio
NYBG
234HRT358BBL 04/16 Su 10:00am-1:00pm Nolan
BLENDED
234HRT358CBL 04/16 Su 2:00pm-5:00pm Nolan
BLENDED

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.
234HRT300AO 04/18 Tu 10:30am-12:30pm Bucuvalas
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 Horticultural Therapy Certificate.
234GAR301AO 04/20 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Bakis
ONLINE

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...
234GAR302O 04/22 Sa 10:30am-12:30pm Bulpitt
ONLINE

Make a great first impression by creating a welcoming entry garden for your home. Learn how to design a stylish front garden. Review examples that work for different architectural styles, and develop plant liststhat fit the specific needs of every more...
234GAR326O 04/22 Sa 11:00am-1:00pm 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.
234HRT300BO 04/29 Sa 10:30am-12:30pm Day Nishiura
ONLINE

May

Learn how native plants enhance gardens and augment biodiversity. Study native herbaceous and woody plants: their identification, habitat, and culture. Hear about the significance of woodland soils, and how to promote a healthy environment to support spring ephemerals, summer perennials, more...
234GAR315AO 05/01 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
ONLINE

Botanical Latin is essential for anyone with a serious interest in identifying plants. But, contrary to popular belief, mastering Latin plant names need not be intimidating or boring. Review the rules of taxonomy, Latin grammar, and pronunciation, and learn the more...
234GAR360O 05/03 We 10:30am-12:30pm Bakshi
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.
234GAR431AO 05/11 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Nocera
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.
234HRT300C 05/12 Fr 10:00am-1:00pm O'Brien
NYBG

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...
234GAR323O 05/16 Tu 6:00pm-8:00pm Cappello-Ruggiero
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 Horticultural Therapy Certificate.
234GAR301BO 05/17 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Beyers
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...
234GAR440A 05/31 We 4:30pm-7:30pm Weinstein
NYBG

June

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.
234HRT358D 06/03 Sa 10:00am-12:40pm D'Antonio
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.
234HRT411A 06/05 Mo 5:30pm-8:30pm Weinstein
NYBG

A successful pollinator garden must provide appropriate food and habitat for a diverse array of species, including bees, beetles, butterflies,moths, birds, and even pollinating flies. Explore best practices for attracting and supporting our native pollinators, as well as which native more...
234GAR340 06/10 Sa 10:30am-12:30pm 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.
234HRT358E 06/11 Su 11:00am-1:40pm Nolan
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.
234HRT300DO 06/13 Tu 6:00pm-8:00pm Naghshineh
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 Horticultural Therapy Certificate.
234GAR301C 06/15 Th 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
ONLINE

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.
234GAR342O 06/22 Th 6:00pm-8:30pm Beyers
ONLINE

July

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.
241HRT300EO 07/13 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Bakis
ONLINE

August

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.
241HRT300FO 08/05 Sa 10:30am-12:30pm Day Nishiura
ONLINE

Learn how native plants enhance gardens and augment biodiversity. Study native herbaceous and woody plants: their identification, habitat, and culture. Hear about the significance of woodland soils, and how to promote a healthy environment to support spring ephemerals, summer perennials, more...
241GAR315BO 08/06 Su 10:30am-12:30pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
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 Horticultural Therapy Certificate.
241GAR301DO 08/17 Th 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
ONLINE

September

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.
241GAR431BO 09/06 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Nocera
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.
241HRT300GO 09/06 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Bucuvalas
ONLINE

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.
241GAR324O 09/12 Tu 6:15pm-8:15pm Kokinchak
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...
241GAR320O 09/16 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Kokinchak
ONLINE

Do you want to create an eco-friendly garden that is also beautiful and functional? Sustainable gardening hinges on a gardener's ability to develop a long-term strategy by employing tactics that conserve natural resources over time. Explore how to make the more...
241GAR375O 09/16 Sa 10:30am-12:30pm Simeone
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.
241HRT358A 09/16 Sa 10:00am-12:40pm D'Antonio
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.
241HRT411B 09/28 Th 10:00am-1:00pm 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.
241GAR327BO 09/29 Fr 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
ONLINE

October

With a little bit of planning, your garden can look beautiful in all seasons, even after the flowers fade. Knowing which plants to select is key, since, according to rock star garden designer Piet Oudolf, it's about "texture and shape, more...
242GAR369 10/14 Sa 10:30am-12:30pm 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.
242GAR342AO 10/18 We 10:00am-12:30pm Beyers
ONLINE