The Science of Gardening

Overview — Course No. 9443

The Science of Gardening offers a comprehensive guide to creating a sustainable and vibrant home landscape. Award-winning horticulturist Linda Chalker-Scott of Washington State University helps you make informed decisions based on scientific research, debunking gardening myths and enhancing your understanding of plant care and soil science.

Video Lessons

01: Garden Science: Weeding Out the Myths

Examine the validity of common gardening practices and learn to rely on science-based evidence for your garden decisions.

Duration: 25 min

02: Site Analysis: Choosing the Right Spot

Identify environmental factors like topography, soil type, and hydrology to make informed plant selection choices.

Duration: 27 min

03: Soil Analysis: What Makes Soil Great?

Understand soil composition and learn to assess your soil’s quality for optimal plant growth.

Duration: 30 min

04: Living Soils: Bacteria and Fungi

Explore the symbiotic relationships between plants, bacteria, and fungi, and learn how these relationships support garden health.

Duration: 29 min

05: Plant Selection: Natives versus Non-Natives

Learn the benefits of native plants and the potential advantages of certain non-native species in your garden.

Duration: 35 min

06: Plant Selection: Function and Form

Select plants based on their function, form, and how they fit into your landscape goals.

Duration: 30 min

07: Plant Selection: Finding Quality Specimens

Inspect nursery plants for health indicators and learn sustainable planting practices.

Duration: 28 min

08: Soil Preparation and Protection

Discover how to prepare and protect your garden soil using science-backed methods.

Duration: 24 min

09: The Truth about Mulch

Learn about various mulches and their effects on soil and plant health.

Duration: 30 min

10: Planting for Survival

Understand the science behind successful planting techniques, including the benefits of bare-root planting.

Duration: 37 min

11: Aftercare for New Plants

Learn evidence-based aftercare practices for newly planted trees and shrubs, including watering and pruning.

Duration: 29 min

12: Plant Nutrition: Evidence-Based Fertilizing

Match soil and plant needs with the right nutrients and understand the implications of organic versus synthetic fertilizers.

Duration: 30 min

13: The Art and Science of Pruning

Learn the best timing and methods for pruning to ensure long-term plant health.

Duration: 31 min

14: Creating Safe Food Gardens

Understand the risks of contaminants in garden soil and learn how to grow safe, healthy food at home.

Duration: 30 min

15: Water-Wise Landscaping

Explore techniques for reducing water use and protecting water quality in your garden.

Duration: 30 min

16: Diagnosing Diseases and Disasters

Learn to diagnose and treat plant problems using plant physiology and systematic approaches.

Duration: 31 min

17: Gardening CSI: Case Studies

Examine real-life examples of unhealthy plants and learn to diagnose and manage garden issues.

Duration: 27 min

18: Integrated Pest Management

Discover the systematic, science-based approach of integrated pest management to control pests with minimal chemical use.

Duration: 28 min

19: Understanding Pesticides

Learn about the judicious use of approved pesticides and the ecological implications of organic versus synthetic options.

Duration: 33 min

20: What to Do about Weeds

Manage weeds effectively by understanding their life cycles and using science-backed methods.

Duration: 29 min

21: What to Do about Insects

Control insects by increasing plant diversity and using safe, effective tools and repellents.

Duration: 33 min

22: What to Do about Herbivores

Learn to manage herbivores like slugs, rabbits, and deer using science-based strategies.

Duration: 28 min

23: Tackling Garden Myths and Misinformation

Assess the credibility of gardening information and learn to make science-backed decisions.

Duration: 29 min

24: Applied Garden Science: Success Stories

Witness the benefits of science-based gardening through real-life success stories and learn how to contribute as a citizen scientist.

Duration: 40 min