Introduction to Ecological Gardening

University of Minnesota via Coursera Specialization

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Provider

Coursera Specialization
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Beginner

Found in

Overview

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This Specialization is intended for any gardener seeking to understand the science and ecology behind how gardens work and build the practical skills to apply that knowledge in their own garden. Across four courses, you'll build a foundation in plant science and ecosystem science, exploring how plants grow, how soil and climate affect plants, and how garden ecosystems function. You'll use that foundation to select the right plants for your space, grow them from seed or transplant, plan a productive and attractive garden, and manage it using science-based techniques. You'll also develop strategies for identifying and managing common challenges like plant diseases, environmental disorders, insect pests, and weeds. Finally, you'll practice using credible resources to answer gardening questions when they come up.

Syllabus

Course 1: Plant Science for Gardeners
Course 2: The Garden Ecosystem
Course 3: A Guide to Garden Plants
Course 4: Garden Planning and Management

Courses

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This course helps learners build stronger gardening skills by understanding how different species of garden plants grow, function, and interact with their environment. The course emphasizes practical knowledge that supports confident decision-making in real garden settings. Through a mix of videos, readings, images, and interactive activities, you’ll explore three core areas: cool-season crops, warm-season crops, and fruits suited to temperate climates. You’ll learn how to select appropriate species and cultivars, determine optimal placement in the garden, and support healthy growth from planting through harvest. The course also introduces basic pest awareness and seasonal planning for improved productivity. While developed for northern climates with shorter growing seasons, the principles taught apply broadly. Learners in other regions can adapt plant choices and timing to fit their local conditions. By the end, you’ll have a solid foundation for planning and managing a productive, resilient garden.
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This five-week course focuses on the science behind designing and maintaining a productive, resilient garden. It is designed for gardeners of all experience levels who want to better understand how plants function and how thoughtful planning and management support long-term success. Through videos, readings, images, and interactive activities, you’ll explore key aspects of garden design, including how layout and planning decisions influence productivity and ease of maintenance. You’ll learn practical strategies for managing your garden day to day, such as watering effectively, using mulch, controlling weeds, and maintaining plant health through proper sanitation. The course also covers building and maintaining healthy soil through composting, fertilization, and crop rotation, along with recognizing and responding to plant diseases, environmental stress, and common garden pests. While examples reflect northern growing conditions, the core principles apply broadly and can be adapted to different regions. By the end, you’ll be prepared to design, manage, and sustain a healthy, productive garden.
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Plant Science for Gardeners introduces the fundamentals of plant science that will help you become a better gardener. Over three weeks, you’ll explore ecological gardening principles, understand how plant structures and functions support growth, and learn how plants reproduce and can be propagated. Designed for beginners and experienced gardeners alike, this course emphasizes practical understanding over memorization, helping you make informed decisions, select the right plant varieties, and apply scientific concepts to your own garden. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to grow plants successfully, and a foundation for further learning in ecological gardening.
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This three-week course is designed to strengthen your understanding of the natural systems that shape successful gardens. It is for gardeners of all experience levels who want to better understand how plants interact with their environment and how ecological factors influence growth, productivity, and resilience. Throughout the course, you’ll explore three core areas: the garden as an ecosystem, soil health, and climate and site conditions. You’ll learn how biodiversity supports a more balanced garden system and how plant classification and beneficial insects fit into that system. You’ll examine soil as a living system by identifying its physical, biological, and chemical components, understanding how each supports plant growth, and reviewing basic soil test results to assess soil quality. You’ll also study how climate, weather, temperature, sunlight, hardiness zones, and microclimates influence plant selection, placement, and timing in the garden. While developed for northern climates, the principles in this course are broadly applicable and can be adapted to a wide range of growing conditions.