Watch The Science of Gardening

Name: The Science of Gardening
Genre: Documentary & Biography
Released: 2018-03-02
Cast: Linda Chalker-Scott

2018
1 Season

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.

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Seasons

24. Applied Garden Science: Success Stories

March 2, 2018

Two specific transformation stories - a wetlands restoration and a home garden project - reflect the benefit of science-based planning by considering soils, temperature, sunlight, moisture, water table, and likely pests. Learn how to become a citizen scientist and contribute to the field by asking the hard questions and knowing how to assess the strength of the answers.

23. Tackling Garden Myths and Misinformation

March 2, 2018

If you can't trust the Internet home remedy or the local gardening salesperson, whom can you trust? Make science-based gardening decisions by assessing the credibility, relevance, accuracy, and purpose of the information you read. Learn the role played by peer review, the crucial difference between correlation and causation, and how to watch out for over-extrapolation and misapplied science.

22. What to Do about Herbivores

June 1, 2020

You could spend a lot of money trying to keep slugs, rats, moles, rabbits, squirrels, deer, and other herbivores out of your garden. But most of those purchases would have little, if any, value, especially if feeding pressure is high in the surrounding habitat. Learn about the few options that are both safe and effective. And remember, "man's best friend" might be your garden's best friend, too.

21. What to Do about Insects

June 1, 2020

Before you resort to chemical sprays - which can kill all insects, not just the pests you're targeting - learn how to manage insects by increasing plant diversity, establishing "trap" plants, and using repellents and tools including your basic garden hose. Understanding the life cycle and reproductive physiology of the insect will help you make the most effective management choices.

20. What to Do about Weeds

March 2, 2018

If you have a garden in the U.S., chances are you're familiar with the damage caused by English ivy, kudzu, purple loosestrife, and/or the tamarisk tree. Each of these hardy plants can quickly create a monoculture, driving out other plant species and limiting the availability of diverse animal habitat. Learn the best science-based mechanisms to control these plants.

19. Understanding Pesticides

March 2, 2018

Yes, there can be an appropriate time for judicious use of chemical pesticides in your garden. Learn why you should always stick with those approved by the EPA and your state department of agriculture, and never use the home remedies promoted on the Internet or in non-science-based books. Are organics always safer ecologically than synthetics? You'll be surprised.

18. Integrated Pest Management

March 2, 2018

There is no lack of chemicals to get rid of the pests in your garden - whether that pest is a plant, insect, or other organism. But for long-term health, integrated pest management provides a better, systematic, science-based approach with a minimum of chemical inputs.

17. Gardening CSI: Case Studies

March 2, 2018

Take a virtual field trip to see examples of unhealthy plants and learn how to diagnose their problems based on the science of plant physiology. You'll see tree girdling, plants that become smaller instead of larger, scorched shrubs, and more. Once you understand the physiology behind these problems, you'll be better able to diagnose and treat any of your garden's plants that might be failing.

16. Diagnosing Diseases and Disasters

March 2, 2018

The most common cause of death for home garden plants is poor horticultural practices, not disease or pests. With this step-by-step guide to diagnosing plant problems, you'll learn how to appropriately remedy any problem - and when the plant will heal on its own. You'll also be able to identify the warning signs of future problems, so you can treat the issue before it's too late.

15. Water-Wise Landscaping

March 2, 2018

Learn how to reduce water use and protect water quality using knowledge of plant biochemistry, transpiration, and photosynthesis. Designing garden modifications, choosing appropriate plants based on morphology and color, and incorporating shading and mulch to reduce evaporation are just some of the water-wise techniques that will help conserve water.

14. Creating Safe Food Gardens

March 2, 2018

While it seems intuitive that vegetables grown in your home garden will be safer and healthier than those purchased at the supermarket, that could be a dangerous assumption. Does your garden soil contain elements of concern, especially cadmium or lead? If so, learn how to best respond - whether in plant choices or creative garden design.

13. The Art and Science of Pruning

March 2, 2018

Have you ever seen a tree cut painted with tar or another sealant? Or seen a crown chopped completely bare? Both are common practices that we now know are harmful to the plant. Using applied plant physiology and science-based guidelines, learn the best timing and methods for pruning that will lead to healthy tree growth for the long term.

12. Plant Nutrition: Evidence-Based Fertilizing

March 2, 2018

The goal of fertilizing is to match your soil and plant needs - micro- and macronutrients, and other chemical requirements - with the appropriate sources of nutrition. By understanding your specific soil test results, you can determine which nutrients are deficient, which might already be present in toxic quantities, and whether or not to buy organic.

11. Aftercare for New Plants

March 2, 2018

Once your new plant is in the ground, how should you take care of it? Learn the basics of watering, mulching, fertilizing, staking, and pruning newly transplanted trees or shrubs - and why this care might change in subsequent seasons when the plant is well established. Not sure if your newly planted tree is experiencing healthy root growth? Try the wiggle test.

10. Planting for Survival

March 2, 2018

Current research supports the need to radically change the way we've been planting trees for the past half century. Although considered controversial by nursery professionals, learn why plant science supports the "old" method of bare-root planting. This technique can improve tree survival because a vigorous root system will better support a healthy crown.

9. The Truth about Mulch

March 2, 2018

Learn about the wide variety of mulch types - from glass to wood to compost - and the science-based pros and cons of each. By considering your specific site conditions and personal aesthetics, you can blend a variety of mulches to transform a struggling landscape into one that's healthier and more sustainable.

8. Soil Preparation and Protection

March 2, 2018

"Don't plant before you fertilize!" Chances are you've heard that admonishment more than once. But gardening science has revealed that many popular practices - including fertilizing every time you plant - are neither necessary nor sustainable. Learn about a more natural way to add organic material to your garden to protect soil structure and nourish your plants.

7. Plant Selection: Finding Quality Specimens

March 2, 2018

Half the battle of successful landscaping is starting with the healthiest specimens - not, as we sometimes prefer, the largest. Learn how to inspect nursery plants from the crown to the ground for evidence of quality and health, and how to estimate root health by checking for suckers on single-trunk trees, root flare, surface roots, and the "tippy test."

6. Plant Selection: Function and Form

March 2, 2018

In addition to its aesthetic value, your landscaping can provide privacy, protect soils from erosion, moderate temperature, manage storm-water runoff, provide wildlife habitat, and more. Learn how to select the appropriate plants with respect to morphology, growth rates, and physiology to help achieve your specific goals for various locations on your property.

5. Plant Selection: Natives versus Non-Natives

March 2, 2018

Native plants are always a better home-garden choice than non-natives, right? We know they are best suited to thrive in the soils and ecosystems of the area, and will create the best wildlife habitat. But does garden science support those "truths"? You might be surprised to learn how introduced species can enhance your garden and landscape biodiversity.

4. Living Soils: Bacteria and Fungi

March 2, 2018

Just as humans cannot grow without our supportive microbiome, neither can plants. Plant roots, bacterial sheathes, and long filaments of fungus all function together to support the plant's growth, enhancing the uptake of water and nutrients and improving soil structure. But what happens to this crucial symbiosis when you add unnecessary fertilizers?

3. Soil Analysis: What Makes Soil Great?

March 2, 2018

Unless you live in a completely undeveloped area, chances are your home garden soil is not native. Learn what makes a "great" soil and how to determine your own approximate amounts of clay, silt, and sand; texture; nutrients; pH; and more - before you purchase that "must have" soil addition from the gardening store.

2. Site Analysis: Choosing the Right Spot

March 2, 2018

Many of us make our landscape choices based on plant aesthetics. Instead, learn to first identify your location's topography, prevailing winds, hydrology, soil type, and other environmental factors. Then you'll be able to choose a plant well-suited for the long term. And you'll avoid season after season of frustration.

1. Garden Science: Weeding Out the Myths

March 2, 2018

How many of your horticultural practices are based on anecdotal evidence from your neighbor or grandmother, and how do you assess their validity? In the midst of an unregulated "Wild West" of gardening products and practices, you can learn to access science-based information to create your sustainable dream garden. #Better Living

Description

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.