News Summary
Michigan State University Extension introduces an online gardening course, ‘Foundations of Gardening,’ from September to November. The 10-week course covers essential gardening knowledge and sustainable practices. Offered every Tuesday evening, participants will engage in live lectures and interactive sessions. Financial aid is available for eligible candidates, with a focus on environmentally-friendly gardening. The course aims to enhance skills even for those not seeking certification, promoting sustainability and community gardening knowledge.
East Lansing, Michigan – Michigan State University Extension is set to launch an online gardening course titled “Foundations of Gardening”, running from September 2 to November 18. The course is designed for gardening enthusiasts eager to develop sustainable practices and will include live sessions every Tuesday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. This online format allows participants to join from the comfort of their own homes, making it accessible to a broader audience.
The 10-week course promises to equip individuals with essential knowledge about gardening, covering a range of topics including plant science, soils, propagation, entomology, plant diseases and pests, lawn care, and the cultivation of flowers, trees, shrubs, fruits, and vegetables. Participants will engage in weekly units that consist of readings, interactive online activities, and a 2.5-hour live virtual lecture delivered by experts from MSU’s horticulture department.
The cost of enrolling in the Foundations of Gardening course is $350. However, financial assistance in the form of scholarships valued at $150 will be available for dozens of candidates, although not all applicants will receive a scholarship. Applications for these scholarships will open on May 21, with details provided on the MSU website.
To successfully complete the course and earn a Certificate of Completion, students must finish all assigned learning materials and achieve a minimum score of 80% on post-assessments and the final examination. Those who successfully complete the course will be eligible to apply for the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program, affording them further opportunities to deepen their gardening expertise.
Notably, the course is also beneficial for individuals who do not wish to become certified Master Gardeners but desire to enhance their gardening knowledge. Participants will have continued access to a wealth of downloadable online resources even after the course concludes, ensuring they can revisit the material as needed. Additionally, MSU horticulture experts will be available to assist participants with any questions throughout the course duration.
Feedback from past participants has praised the thoroughness of the course and the enthusiasm demonstrated by the instructors. The program is specifically designed to provide important insights into environmentally-friendly gardening practices, promoting sustainability in everyday gardening efforts.
For those looking to further engage in gardening education, MSU Extension offers a variety of additional resources, including gardening hotlines and websites filled with educational classes and informative articles. As such, the Foundations of Gardening program not only represents an excellent opportunity for new gardeners but also reinforces MSU Extension’s commitment to fostering a community of knowledgeable and sustainable gardening practices in Michigan.
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Additional Resources
- Upper Michigan’s Source
- Wikipedia: Gardening
- Northern Express
- Google Search: Sustainable Gardening
- Detroit Free Press
- Google Scholar: Gardening Education
- State News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Sustainability
- State News
- Google News: MSU Gardening Course
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