Instructor: Steve Koontz

No image available Biography: Over 20 years ago, Steve received a free packet of gourd seeds and planted them in a small patch of ground in the front of his house. Not only did the seeds sprout, but the gourd plants took over the driveway and wound themselves into the screen door. That was when his passion for gardening first took root.In 2012, he moved into soil-less gardening with a Tower Garden - an aeroponic gardening system that works well indoors and out and he discovered more about the unique processes behind successfully growing edibles indoors. Since then, he's helped schools in Indiana and across the country purchase Tower Gardens and has trained teachers on how to effectively use them in their classrooms. Steve became a Master Gardener in 2015 and began specializing in indoor gardening, which includes potted plants as well as edibles. For several years, Steve taught the indoor gardening class for the Master Gardener Intern class. Steve owns and operates Keep It Watered, a business that specializes in indoor gardening. He and his wife, Christine, have two grown children and live in northern Indiana.

Classes by this instructor


Free Houseplants through Propagation
Grow new plants from your existing ones using techniques like cutting, division, and offsets. Witness live demonstrations of propagation methods, receive tips for identifying which plants can be propagated, and learn how supplemental lighting can keep plants thriving.
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Doermer School of Business Bldg, Room 320
Growing Plants from Seed
Get a head start on spring by learning how to grow strong vegetable and flower seedlings from seeds. You'll learn planting techniques, the best lighting for healthy growth, and how to prepare your seedlings for outdoor planting.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Doermer School of Business Bldg, Room 320
Succulents 101 - NEW!
Despite the popular belief that "you can't kill a cactus," many plant owners have learned otherwise - including your instructor, Steve. This course covers the essentials of succulent care, including lighting, watering, soil composition, container selection, propagation, and pest management. Whether you're a beginner or looking to deepen your knowledge, you'll gain practical tips to help your succulents not just survive but thrive.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, Doermer School of Business Bldg, Room 320