Beginner Gardening Mini-Course

Gardening made simple: soil health, mulching, plant choice, and lawn care explained clear, practical terms

What you'll learn

Discover simple principles to make gardening easy, low-effort and fun.

Learn how to choose plants that thrive in your soil, sun, and wind.

Understand how mulching improves soil health and reduces weeding.

Gain confidence to start a productive, beautiful garden with ease.

Understand why soil health matters more than plant-by-plant fixes.

See how evergreens and structure can keep your garden alive in winter.

Spot common mistakes beginners make and how to avoid wasted effort.

Requirements

No gardening knowledge required — just an interest in starting a garden.

Any outdoor space works, from a small yard to a larger garden.

Curiosity and a willingness to try simple, time-saving techniques.

Description

Beginner Gardening 15-Minute Mini-Course — All You Need for Success!Includes the Dream Garden Workbook — a printable set of quizzes and prompts to help you start planning your own garden today.Starting out in gardening can feel overwhelming: plant names, endless advice, and conflicting dos and don’ts. This short, friendly course is designed to cut through the noise and show you how gardening can be simple, low-effort, and rewarding.I’m Mike, a qualified permaculture designer (Oregon State University) and gardener. Over the years I’ve developed the Self-Sustaining Garden approach — a way of gardening that balances beauty, productivity and low-maintenance. In this mini-course, you’ll discover the same essential principles in a quick, beginner-friendly format.What you’ll learnThe 5 simple principles that make gardening streamlined and enjoyable.How to read your garden’s microclimates (sun, soil, wind) to choose plants wisely.Why soil health matters more than anything else, and how to improve it.How mulching once a year cuts watering, stops weeds, and feeds your soil.Practical lawn care tips that make grass healthier with less effort.Why evergreen plants give structure and beauty, even in the depths of winter.How dense planting and perennials save time and reduce weeding.The confidence to start gardening without fear of “getting it wrong.”Who this course is forBeginners who want gardening explained in a simple, memorable way.Busy people who’d like a relaxing, low-maintenance garden.Anyone overwhelmed by plant names or conflicting gardening advice.People keen to make their garden healthier, greener and more enjoyable.RequirementsNo prior gardening knowledge — this course is designed for complete beginners.Any outdoor space works, from a small yard to a larger garden.Just bring curiosity and enthusiasm!By the end of this mini-course, you’ll see that gardening doesn’t have to be complicated — a few simple principles can transform the way you approach your space. If you’re ready to start gardening with confidence, this quick mini-course will give you the tools to begin.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Welcome to the Beginner’s Gardening Mini-Course

Lecture 2 Planning Your Space with the Dream Garden Workbook

Section 2: Four Core Principles for a Low-Maintenance Garden

Lecture 3 Microclimates: Right Plant, Right Place

Lecture 4 Mulch for Healthy Soil and Fewer Weeds

Lecture 5 Low-Maintenance Lawn Care for Beginners

Lecture 6 Structure and Planting: Beauty & Low-Maintenance Made Easy

Section 3: Beginner Gardening FAQs

Lecture 7 Introduction to Beginner Gardening FAQs

Lecture 8 Annual, Biennial, and Perennial Plants Explained

Lecture 9 Do I Really Need to Prune My Plants?

Lecture 10 Mulch vs Compost: What’s the Difference?

Lecture 11 What Does Partial Shade Actually Mean?

Lecture 12 When Is It Safe to Plant Out After Frost?

Lecture 13 Why Are My Plants Dying? Common Causes and Fixes

Lecture 14 Should You Buy Young or Mature Plants?

Lecture 15 How to Amend Soil for Healthy Growth

Lecture 16 Beginner Gardening FAQs: Course Wrap-Up

Beginners who want gardening explained in a simple, memorable way.,Busy people who’d like a relaxing, low-maintenance garden.,Anyone overwhelmed by plant names or conflicting gardening advice.,People keen to make their garden healthier, greener and more enjoyable.