Healthy plants start with healthy soil, but what is healthy soil, and how can you build it in your own garden? This course will take you below the surface to explore the science and structure that make soils thrive. By delving into the chemistry, the biology and the physics that drive soil health and fertility, you’ll gain the tools you need to cultivate a richer, more resilient garden from the ground up.

In this expanded five-week course, we’ll take a closer look at the essential principles of soil science and how to apply them in practical, gardener-friendly ways. You’ll explore how soils behave — how texture, structure and compaction influence water movement, aeration and root growth — and gain practical tips on sampling and assessing your soil so you know what you’re working with. Along the way, we’ll connect these principles to soil fertility and plant nutrition, exploring how nutrients move through the soil, how fertilizers work and how to feed your plants effectively without overdoing it.

Whether you’re troubleshooting problem areas, establishing new garden beds or simply eager to understand what’s happening beneath your feet, this course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to build better soils and grow stronger, more resilient plants.