Winter may be a slow season for gardening, but it’s the perfect time to expand your knowledge and prepare for the upcoming growing season with winter gardening learning. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, there are always new techniques, strategies, and insights to explore. Here are some excellent free learning resources for gardeners to help you grow your skills during the colder months.
1. Free Online Gardening Courses
- Garden Tutor – This award-winning course provides an excellent introduction to garden planning, soil preparation, and plant care. It’s great for those looking to design their gardens effectively.
- LSU AgCenter Home Gardening Course – Louisiana State University offers a free gardening course covering soil health, plant selection, pest management, and more. While designed for a wide range of climates, the principles apply well to Zone 6a gardeners.
- Beginning Organic Gardening Zone 6 (YouTube Series) – This YouTube playlist is specifically tailored to Zone 6 gardeners, providing step-by-step guidance on organic gardening practices.
2. Books and E-Books (Available for Free Online)
- “The Vegetable Gardener’s Guide to Permaculture” by Christopher Shein – Learn about sustainable gardening methods that work year-round, including composting, companion planting, and permaculture principles. Available here -> https://amzn.to/4phn4c4
- “Rodale’s Basic Organic Gardening” by Deborah L. Martin – A beginner-friendly guide covering everything from soil improvement to organic pest control. Available here -> https://amzn.to/3KREiio
- Project Gutenberg’s Free Gardening Books – Websites like Project Gutenberg offer classic gardening books in the public domain, covering traditional and time-tested gardening methods.
3. University Extension Programs & Research Papers
Many universities provide free gardening resources through their extension programs. Here are a few worth exploring:
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Plant guides and gardening techniques.
- Cornell University’s Gardening Resources – Research-based gardening tips tailored to different climates.
- Oregon State University Master Gardener Program – Free guides on soil health, pest control, and plant diseases.
4. Podcasts & Webinars
If you prefer audio learning, podcasts and webinars are a great way to gain knowledge while doing other tasks.
- The Joe Gardener Show – Covers organic gardening, soil health, and seasonal tips.
- Epic Gardening Podcast – Bite-sized daily episodes covering a variety of gardening topics.
- YouTube Webinars from Agricultural Universities – Many universities post past lectures and webinars on YouTube, focusing on gardening techniques and sustainability.
5. Start or Continue a Gardening Journal
Finally, winter is the ideal time to reflect on your past gardening season and plan for the next. Keeping a gardening journal can help you track:
- What plants thrived (or struggled) in your garden.
- Soil amendments and fertilizers used.
- Seasonal changes and frost dates.
- New ideas for crop rotation and companion planting.
If you prefer paper over digital, a simple dotted or lined notebook works beautifully:
- A garden-friendly notebook option here: https://amzn.to/3YOiqaL
- Colored pens for planning beds and rotations: https://amzn.to/49hXxJS
Final Thoughts
Even when the ground is frozen, there’s plenty to do to grow as a gardener. By taking advantage of these free learning materials, you can sharpen your skills and be fully prepared when spring arrives. Winter may be quiet in the garden, but it doesn’t have to be a dormant season for your knowledge! Please drop me a comment on your own winter gardening learning.
In case you want to read more about my 2025 gardening journey, here are few links:
- Starting My Garden: The First Seeds of the Year
- Planting My First Seeds Indoors: A New Gardening Adventure
- Tomato and Paprika Seedlings: Early Growth & a Floral Surprise
This post contains a few affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that genuinely support a slow, thoughtful gardening practice.
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