Join us to learn the basics of gardening in Colorado from our horticulture experts through our online and flexible Green School program. The online class content is up-to-date, engaging, self-paced and includes integrated readings, videos, activities, and quizzes. Courses are science-based and specific to Colorado’s unique (and challenging!) climate, soil, environment, insects, wildlife, and plants. Classes include:
- Soils & amendments
- Botany: how plants grow
- Colorado gardening challenges
- Entomology
- Integrated pest management & plant diagnosis
- Plant pathology
- Lawn care / turfgrass management
- Weed management
- Science of planting trees & tree care
- Vegetables
- Fruit trees
- Small fruits
- Pruning
- Irrigation
FAQ: CSU Green School
What’s the difference between your gardening training programs?
Green School | Full Course: Our certifying full course includes in-depth Colorado specific horticulture training. This course includes a mix of online, self-paced classes, and optional weekly live reviews provided by CSU faculty, staff, and specialists. To obtain the certification, trainees must complete 8 online modules (including the online quiz for each module) and pass the comprehensive final (open-book, research encouraged) with a 70% or better.
Green School | Short Courses: Our short courses are self-paced, online and include 5 classes grouped together by relevant topic areas including Colorado Gardening Foundations, Landscape Management Basics, Plant Diagnostics and Growing Food. There are no live weekly class reviews, but you do have direct email access to course instructors. A certificate of completion will be provided to participants upon request.
Certified Gardener: The Certified Gardener program is your opportunity to learn basic gardening techniques for home and community gardeners. Classes are 100% self-paced with no assignments and no live classes. Information is relevant no matter where you live. This class is not Colorado specific. Learn more about the Certified Gardener program here: https://www.online.colostate.edu/badges/certified-gardener/
How long can I access course materials online?
You’ll have access to this Canvas site for one year from the time you enroll.
Full descriptions, syllabus and more available here.
Noncredit courses do not produce academic credit nor appear on a Colorado State University academic transcript.
Important Information
If you are applying to become a Colorado State Extension Master Gardener (volunteer track), please wait until you hear back on a decision from the county staff before you register for Certified Colorado Gardener option (non-volunteer track).
Please email the Green School if you have questions.
