Gardening Fundamentals: Plants & Practices

Thursday, March 21 & 28, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Growing plants can be truly fulfilling and enjoyable, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. Gardeners learn by trial and error; however, it can be costly and frustrating. In this two-part online class, Dr. Sonja Birthesel will help you save money and increase gardening success with guidance and insight into horticulture. We’ll provide practical information about sustainable garden practices, including an overview of plant biology, adaptation, habit, and cultivation. We’ll discuss soils, pesky problems, environmental and ecological factors, low-input management, and much more. The goal is to help all plant lovers feel more confident in growing plants successfully, sustainably, and in abundance.

Class Level: Beginner-Intermediate

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Instructor Bio:

Dr. Sonja Birthisel is an educator, community organizer, and environmental scientist based in Orono, ME. She has taught numerous courses in the Sustainable Agriculture and Ecology and Environmental Sciences programs at the University of Maine, including Plant Science, Cropping Systems, and Environmental Horticulture Capstone. Her areas of research expertise include non-chemical weed management and climate change impacts on agricultural systems. She is passionate about education and greatly enjoys facilitating workshops for beginning gardeners.