San Diego, known for its beautiful weather and outdoor lifestyle, is a perfect place for gardening enthusiasts to hone their skills. No matter your level of experience, there’s a gardening class in San Diego that’s right for you. So grab your gloves and get ready to dig in!
Gardening Classes in San Diego
Gardening classes in San Diego are a great way to learn how to cultivate plants, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener looking to expand your skills. There are several options available, depending on your interests and schedule.
1. The ASCENDtials (Bonita)
Join The ASCENDtials, a local nonprofit organization for a free monthly interactive gardening workshop to discuss things like the useful creatures you do want in your garden and how to keep a plant happy and healthy.
The ASCENDtials / Sweetwater Community Garden, Bonita
2. City Farmers Nursery (City Heights)
For those interested in organic gardening, City Farmers Nursery in City Heights offers a range of classes, from “Composting 101” to “Container Gardening” to “Growing Food in Small Spaces.” The classes are taught by experienced gardeners and are geared towards those who want to learn how to grow their own food, even in limited spaces. They also have a wide selection of plants and gardening supplies available for purchase.
City Farmers Nursery, 3110 Euclid Ave, San Diego 92105
3. Ocean View Growing Grounds (Mountain View)
Join The Global Action Resource Center at its Ocean View Growing Grounds for urban agricultural workshops on fertilizing, pruning, seed starting, gardening and much more.
Ocean View Growing Grounds, 4540 Ocean View Blvd, San Diego
4. Olivewood Gardens + Learning Center (National City)
Olivewood Gardens provides science-based environmental education and nutrition lessons, hands-on gardening and cooking classes for youth, adults, and families. Topics range from pest control, gardening 101, gardening as a family – check out their events calendar for upcoming topics.
Olivewood Gardens, 2525 N Avenue, National City CA 91950
5. San Diego Botanic Garden (Encinitas)
The San Diego Botanic Garden, which offers a variety of classes throughout the year, including a “Gardening 101” class that covers the basics of planting and caring for plants. Other classes include “Edible Gardening,” “Succulent Wreath Making,” and “Gardening for Butterflies and Hummingbirds.” Be sure to check their calendar for upcoming opportunities.
San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas CA 92024
6. San Diego Community Garden Network (Across San Diego County)
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, consider joining a community garden. The San Diego Community Garden Network has a list of gardens throughout the city that offer gardening classes, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. Visit their website to find a community garden nearest you.
7. San Diego Craft Collective Garden Club (Point Loma)
Join the San Diego Craft Collective’s Monthly Garden Club class to learn how to grow your own organic fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables, plus all the benefits of eating healthy, being outdoors and giving back green space to our planet. There are two clubs, one for kids + one for adults; classes free for military.
San Diego Craft Collective, 2590 Truxtun Rd., San Diego 92106
8. San Diego Seed Company (Ramona + Online)
San Diego Seed Company’s (SDSC) mission is to provide local growers with organic local seeds that have been acclimated to the range of microclimates we have so that gardening can be as successful as possible. SDSC offers online and in-person seed starting, gardening + farming classes throughout the year.
9. Solana Center (Encinitas)
The Solana Center for Environmental Innovation holds free monthly backyard composting, vermiculture + water wise gardening workshops across San Diego County, both in person and online.
Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, 137 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024
10. The Water Conservation Garden (El Cajon)
Offering classes + events about water-wise gardening, irrigation techniques, arbor care and more.
The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. West, El Cajon, CA 92019
11. Walter Andersen Nursery (Point Loma + Poway)
Join the experienced horticulturists + gardeners at Walter Andersen Nursery for free gardening classes each Saturday. Topics range from caring for houseplants, seasonal gardening tips, tool care, fertilizer basics + much more.
12. Wild Willow Farm + Education Center (South Bay)
Located within the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park, Wild Willow Farm is a valuable resource for people who are interested in sustainable agriculture and living.
One popular program is Farm School, a 8-week agriculture course designed for people who are interested in learning about organic farming and sustainable agriculture. Participants in the program get hands-on experience working on the farm, and they learn about everything from soil health and composting to crop planning and pest management.
They also offer several events + workshops including beekeeping, seasonal gardening classes, mushroom cultivation, tree planting and much more.
Wild Willow Farm, 2550 Sunset Ave, San Diego, CA 92154
Native West is a 130-acre nursery, located in south San Diego County, that specializes in growing native species. The Little Barn, Native West’s retail space, is home to free native plant workshops as well as locally collected native seeds, gifts, books and plants for purchase.
Native West Nursery, 1755 Saturn Blvd, San Diego, CA 92154
Leaves turning yellow? Pest issues? Not sure where to plant your new tree? The Master Gardener Association of San Diego offers a gardening questions hotline (and email) for FREE! They also have dozens of helpful articles + resources to help get your garden off to a great start.
If you’re looking for a more in-depth gardening education, consider taking a class through the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener Program. This program provides in-depth training on a variety of topics, including soil health, pest management, and plant propagation. The program requires a commitment of several months, but graduates receive a certificate and are equipped with the knowledge to become a resource for other gardeners in their community.
Give Gardening a Try!
Fortunately, there are numerous gardening classes available in San Diego for those who wish to learn how to cultivate a thriving garden. Whether you prefer to learn in a classroom setting or at your own pace online, there are classes available to help you cultivate the garden of your dreams. Take a class and discover the joy of gardening today!
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