Watch The Science of Gardening

The Science of Gardening from The Great Courses Signature Collection features Linda Chalker-Scott, a horticulturist and professor, who takes viewers on a journey through the science behind gardening. The course aims to demystify the common myths surrounding gardening and provide scientific evidence to back up gardening practices.

Across the 24 lectures, Chalker-Scott covers topics such as plant physiology, soil science, and sustainable gardening practices. She challenges the notion that gardening is an art form and instead argues that gardening is, in fact, a science. With her wealth of experience, Chalker-Scott provides practical advice on how to create and maintain a thriving garden.

The course begins with a historical overview of gardening, looking at how gardening practices have evolved over time. Chalker-Scott then dives into the science of plants, explaining how plants grow and what they need to survive. She talks about the importance of light, water, and nutrients, and explains how they are taken up by plants.

The course then moves onto soil science, explaining the role of soil in plant health. Chalker-Scott covers topics such as soil composition, pH, and soil nutrients. She also looks at the impact of soil compaction and how to correct it.

Sustainable gardening practices are a key focus of this course. Chalker-Scott looks at how to garden using organic and sustainable methods, without the use of harmful chemicals. She also covers topics such as water conservation, companion planting, and natural pest control.

In addition to the science behind gardening, Chalker-Scott also covers practical gardening skills. She explains how to plant and care for a range of plant types, including vegetables, trees, and shrubs. She also talks about the importance of pruning and provides advice on how to do it correctly.

The course is complemented by stunning visuals, with Chalker-Scott often taking viewers out into the field to demonstrate various gardening techniques. The videos are shot in beautiful locations, showcasing a range of gardens, from urban gardens to large-scale farms.

Throughout the course, Chalker-Scott also dispels common gardening myths, such as the idea that you need to add sand to clay soil or that you should put stones in the bottom of a plant pot for drainage. She provides scientific evidence to back up her advice, making it clear that gardening is all about understanding the science behind it.

The Science of Gardening is an excellent course for anyone interested in gardening. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, there is something to learn from this course. With her engaging style and wealth of knowledge, Chalker-Scott makes learning about gardening both fun and informative. By the end of the course, viewers will have a solid understanding of the science behind gardening, and be able to create a thriving and sustainable garden.

The Science of Gardening is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between March 2, 2018 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection