The Master Gardener Short Course Series highlights sections from OSU's Master Gardener Online course, which allows you to study the specific fundamentals that you're interested in.

The various subject areas of the OSU Master Gardener curriculum encourage you to learn the art and science of growing and caring for your own plants.

Master Gardener Short Course Series

OSU’s Master Gardener Short Course Series includes the following 12 on-demand gardening courses:

1) Free Intro to Oregon Master Gardener Program: You will be introduced to the Oregon Master Gardener Program and the role Master Gardener volunteers play.

2) Basic Botany Online Course: You will learn to identify plants and their non-plant relatives as a fungus, lichen, algae, moss, fern, conifer or seed plant.

3) Soils and Compost Online Course: You will learn about the impact of soil texture and composition on soil quality, pH levels, and soil nutrients.

4) Vegetable Gardening Online Course: You will learn how to select a site, prepare soil and plant vegetables properly as well as gain skills to successfully produce food and identify common insect and disease problems.

5) Introduction to Entomology Online Course: You will study the biology, anatomy, life cycles, and differences between insects and non-insect arthropods. You will also learn how to diagnose problems.

6) Plant Pathology Online Course: You will learn to identify microorganisms that cause plant disease and symptoms as well as how to diagnose and control plant disease.

7) Pesticide Safety Online Course: You will learn how to read and interpret pesticide labels, as well as how to safely mix, apply, handle, and dispose of pesticides.

8) Herbaceous Ornamental Plants Online Course: You will learn about different types of herbaceous ornamental plants (perennials, ferns, grasses and more), and how to use and care for them in a garden setting.

9) Sustainable Landscape Design Online Course: You will learn how to evaluate a site to understand the factors that affect plant growth, and how to match plants to the site for a more sustainable landscape. Basic design principals are also covered.

10) Sustainable Landscape Management Online Course: You will learn about methods to reduce garden maintenance, and how harmful or excessive maintenance procedures can negatively affect the environment.

11) Integrated Pest Management Online Course: You will study the theory, principles and practices of pest management.

12) Woody Landscape Plants Online Course: You will learn how to select, plant, manage, and prune trees and shrubs with site and environmental factors in mind.

Please note: you will have access to the on-demand course materials for one year after your registration date.

New Online Urban Agriculture Courses

We have a new Online Urban Agriculture program. This new program is a great way to learn about urban farming and adding natural beauty to your neighborhood.

To learn more, the first urban agriculture course in the series is FREE.

Free Gardening eBook

Gail A. Langelloto, who helped create the online Master Gardener Short Course Series, wrote an eBook titled "Growing Your Own," which provides basic advice on a wide range of gardening topics, ranging from composting to fertilizing to watering and much more.

You can receive Gail's "Growing Your Own" eBook for FREE today!