Horticulture distance learning
Hands-on, online courses for gardeners and professionals
All our permaculture, gardening and botanical illustration courses feature practical, hands-on activities because we believe learning by doing is key to any successful online horticulture course. These are non-accredited courses for non-matriculated adult learners, which culminate in a certificate of participation (not a degree or certification). Participants register for enjoyment, to strengthen a skill set, or to inform new directions in their lives.
Watch this brief 6-minute video
Basics
Before enrolling in our courses, please take the time to learn more to make sure they are right for you.
Botanical illustration courses
This six-week online course for beginners teaches you how to use plants as the subject of art with easy approaches and many visual examples focusing on line drawing. Cost: $675.
Online
Subject Area
Botanical Illustration 1: Basic Drawing TechniquesHave you always wished that you could be more proficient at drawing or been looking for an opportunity to unwind by finding a new avenue to express yourself creatively?
This six-week online course encourages your discovery of plants and interest in the plant world by introducing color to your botanical illustration repertoire. Cost: $675.
Online
Subject Area
Botanical Illustration 2: Working with WatercolorBuild on our introductory course and your previous experience by introducing color into your work and engaging your self-expression through this process.
This six-week online course builds on your previous experience and helps you further your technical proficiency using various art media, culminating in the development of a portfolio. Cost: $675.
Online
Subject Area
Botanical Illustration 3: Advanced TechniquesYou will delve into a range of media and exercises, engaging deeply in study and making a commitment to gaining expertise and producing a portfolio that demonstrates the range of your ability.
Permaculture courses
This six-week online course provides an opportunity for you to build your knowledge about permaculture and ecological design. Cost: $675.
Online
Careers
Permaculture 1: Fundamentals of Ecological DesignParticipants will explore the basics of permaculture design and understand the potential for ecological design on a multitude of scales and contexts.
This six-week online course provides an opportunity for you to further your knowledge about permaculture and ecological design. Cost: $675.
Online
Careers
Permaculture Design 2: Ecosystem MimicryBuilding on our Permaculture 1 course, participants will cultivate ecological literacy by looking at the complex symbiotic relationships in both natural and cultivated systems.
This online course provides an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge about permaculture and ecological design. Cost: $325.
Online
Subject Area
Permaculture Design 3: PracticumBuilding on Permaculture 1 & 2 courses, participants apply principles and ecosystem understanding to the permaculture design process while engaging in a personal design project.
Gardening courses
This six-week online course will help new gardeners learn the basics and feel comfortable getting started with organic practices while offering more experienced gardeners the opportunity to expand their knowledge. Cost: $675.
Online
Subject Area
Organic GardeningThis course lays a strong foundation in soil health and a whole systems approach to gardening, then explores various techniques for growing annuals and perennials, food plants and ornamentals.
In this six-week online course, you will study and experiment with basic design techniques while designing your own garden. Cost: $675.
Online
Subject Area
Introduction to Garden DesignIn this course, you wll learn how to conduct garden site assessment, gain proficiency in garden design principles and plant selection, articulate your personal aesthetic and develop a rough site plan.
Six-week course provides the tools and support needed to develop a sustainable gardening program. Cost: $675.
Online
Subject Area
Planning a Successful School & Community Garden ProgramUsing a logic model approach to program development, this course is perfect for anyone wanting to develop a community garden, school garden, or garden-based learning program for a variety of audiences.
Other online courses offered through the School of Integrative Plant Sciences:
- Plant Propagation Workshop Series - Taught by Mark Bridgen
- Online courses for aspiring, new and experienced farmers. More info our Cornell Small Farms Program website.
- Advanced Soil Health International Certificate Training Course. Offering practitioners, educators, and students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the latest science and practices in soil health. Next course: October 3 to November 14, 2023,