Last Updated on July 13, 2012 by Mike

With all of the resources available to us today, we are in a do-it-yourself age. No longer do we have to pay professionals to do jobs that we are perfectly willing and able to do, given we’ve taken the necessary amount of time to learn about the endeavor. Landscaping is a project that many homeowners opt to take on themselves, both for financial reasons, and also for the pure joy of working in the outdoors and seeing a design come to material fruition. If you are interested in landscaping your own property, then you should know that there are many ways to learn the ins and outs of landscaping, without spending a dime. Here are some pointers for where to find free landscaping courses:

Suite101.com. This informative site features a comprehensive landscaping course that you can access for free, just by visiting the site. Included in the course syllabus is landscape drawing/plotting techniques, design elements, tips and tricks, special landscaping features, working with a contractor, starting a lawn, and installation methods.

Your local water department. Local government bodies care about soil and water conservation, and most are eager to help you learn how to landscape your own yard appropriately by offering free courses. Call your local water department and ask about landscape education classes and workshops that they offer the general public for free. You may be surprised to find that the best source of free landscaping information is right in your hometown.

Colleges. Schools like Utah State University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology offer free, college-level landscaping courses, online. Visit their websites to stream courses on a wide range of topics, including landscape architecture, water quality, cost analysis, management, and much more.

About.com. This site is loaded with expert advice on a number of topics. Simply visit About.com and search for “online landscape design course” to find an abundance of free courses that are perfectly suited for everyone from the novice to the more experienced.

Home improvement stores. Stores like Home Depot and Lowes regularly sponsor free workshops for customers who want to learn how to make use of the products in their inventory. Check in with your local home improvement stores and ask for a schedule of their upcoming workshops. You might be pleasantly surprised to find one or more landscaping courses coming up soon.

As you can see, there are numerous free ways to learn the art and science of landscaping. You are really only limited by your dedication to learning, and your resourcefulness when it comes to finding the information you need. This article is the perfect start.

About the Author: Thaddeus Halbach is a landscaping and hardscaping specialist who works regularly with driveway pavers, fencing companies, and others to ensure each of his clients has the overall landscaping effect they desire.