LSU AgCenter Offers Free Online Gardening Course for Louisiana Residents

The comprehensive Home Gardening Certificate Course is designed to help beginners and experienced gardeners alike grow thriving plants in the state's unique climate.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:11am

An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a verdant, blooming garden scene, with soft, out-of-focus pools of earthy green, yellow, and red hues, conceptually representing the beauty and potential of home gardening in Louisiana.The LSU AgCenter's free online gardening course aims to help Louisiana residents cultivate thriving, lush gardens tailored to the state's unique climate.Shreveport Today

The LSU AgCenter has launched a free online Home Gardening Certificate Course to help Louisiana residents, especially beginners, learn how to successfully grow vegetables, herbs, and ornamental plants in the state's climate. The course covers essential gardening topics from soil preparation to long-term maintenance, and while it's free to access, participants are encouraged to consider a donation to support the AgCenter's continued horticulture education programs and community work.

Why it matters

Many Louisiana residents struggle with "serial plant killer syndrome" and have difficulty cultivating thriving gardens, especially during the state's hot, humid summers. This free online course provides comprehensive, science-based guidance tailored to the local climate, empowering both novice and experienced gardeners to transform their outdoor spaces.

The details

The LSU AgCenter's Home Gardening Certificate Course is designed as a one-stop-shop for Louisiana gardeners, covering everything from soil preparation to long-term plant maintenance. The course is geared towards beginners but also offers value for seasoned gardeners looking to deepen their understanding of horticulture in the state's unique climate. While the course is free to access, the AgCenter encourages participants to consider making a donation to support the continued development of free educational materials, school garden programs, and the work of local Master Gardeners.

  • The free online Home Gardening Certificate Course is now available through the LSU AgCenter.

The players

LSU AgCenter

The Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, a statewide campus of the LSU System, which provides research, extension, and education programs to support the state's agriculture and natural resources industries.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Residents interested in signing up for the free Home Gardening Certificate Course can do so by visiting the LSU AgCenter's website.

The takeaway

The LSU AgCenter's new free online gardening course is a valuable resource for Louisiana residents, both novice and experienced, who want to cultivate thriving gardens and landscapes tailored to the state's unique climate and growing conditions.