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Where to Learn How to Garden in Columbus: Classes, Workshops, and Hands-On Fun

So, you’ve decided to become a plant person? Whether your thumb is currently green, brown, or somewhere in between, Columbus has plenty of places to help you grow (pun intended).

From hands-on workshops to online certifications, there’s no shortage of ways to level up your gardening game. Let’s dig in.

Free Gardening Classes at Franklin Park Conservatory

raised garden beds
via Facebook

If free and fun is your vibe, check out Franklin Park Conservatory’s Communal Garden Class Series. This monthly series offers a crash course in gardening essentials—think planning, planting, composting, and even cooking with your harvest. Classes are led by the Growing to Green team, who are equal parts knowledgeable and passionate about making gardening accessible for everyone.

Upcoming Classes for 2025:

  • January 14: Planning a Garden – Master the square foot gardening method and start your growing season like a pro.
  • February 11: Popular Indigenous African Botanicals – Discover the African roots of some of your favorite plants.
  • March 11: Healthy Garden Beds – Learn how to build the foundation for a thriving garden.
  • Did we mention it’s free? Grab your spot early because these classes fill up faster than a sunny patch in spring. For more info or to register, visit Franklin Park Conservatory.

    Hands-On Fun at Columbus Garden School

    vegetables on table
    via Facebook

    The Columbus Garden School is where practical skills meet good times. Their workshops aren’t just educational, they’re downright fun. You’ll get hands-on experience in everything from seed-starting to turning your yard into a certified wildlife habitat.

    Top Picks:

  • Planning Your Four-Season Garden – Never let your garden take a day off.
  • Organic Vegetable Gardening – Because fresh tomatoes > store-bought any day.
  • Beekeeping 101/201 – Ready to make friends with the bees?
  • Construction Workshops for Women – Because gardening often involves a little DIY.
  • The classes aren’t just about gardening, either. You can learn about herbalism, home maintenance, and even small engine basics (for when your mower decides to quit mid-summer). Prices vary, but the knowledge you’ll gain? Priceless.

    Check out their offerings at Columbus Garden School.

    Grow Your Garden Knowledge with Columbus Foodscapes

    columbus foodscapes garden
    via Facebook

    Want to go from garden-curious to garden-certified? Columbus Foodscapes offers classes that cover everything from edible landscaping to organic vegetable gardening. If you’re into the idea of turning your yard into a mini farm—or a certified wildlife habitat—they’ve got you covered.

    Highlights:

  • How to Start a Vegetable Garden
  • Winter Growing for Beginners
  • Planning, Planting, & Tending an Organic Vegetable Garden 101
  • These classes are perfect for anyone looking to create a sustainable, garden-to-table lifestyle. Check out their workshops at Columbus Foodscapes.

    Get Certified with Buckeye Gardener Online Training

    bee in pollinator garden
    Photo by Sara Cottle on Unsplash

    Prefer to learn at your own pace? The Buckeye Gardener Online Training, offered by Ohio State University Extension, is perfect for anyone looking to garden smarter, not harder.

    This certification course covers the science behind gardening—think botany, soils, insects, and even pollinator promotion. Once you’re done, you’ll be able to design a garden, identify plant issues, and flex your skills as the neighborhood garden guru.

    The Details:

  • Cost: $350
  • Format: Online, work at your own pace
  • Access: Course materials available for one year

    Ready to become a certified gardening expert? Head over to Buckeye Gardener Online Training to sign up.

    Whether you’re a first-time planter or a seasoned grower, Columbus has all the tools you need to cultivate your gardening dreams. So grab your gloves, dig in, and let’s make your garden the envy of the neighborhood!