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.
“Rodale’s Basic Organic Gardening” by Deborah L. Martin
A beginner-friendly guide covering everything from soil improvement to organic pest control.
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 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.
I already started mine – you can read about it here, now I will just try to keep it up to date.
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:
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