This module explores the world beneath our feet—the soil ecosystem. Though it may look simple, soil is full of life and activity that support plant growth and ecosystem balance. In natural systems, the relationships between organisms above and below ground develop over time into stable, interconnected networks. In gardens, soils are often disturbed or altered, so they might take extra effort to become healthy and functional. You’ll learn how soil supports plant life, what makes soil healthy, how growing media in containers differ from natural soils, and why soil testing is an important tool for understanding soil quality. By the end of this week, you will be able to describe the physical, biological, and chemical components of soil, explain how soil health influences plant growth, compare natural soils to container growing media, and interpret basic soil test information to assess soil quality.

This module focuses on how climate, weather, temperature, and sunlight shape plant growth and garden planning. You’ll learn how larger climate patterns and local conditions, such as microclimates and hardiness zones, influence what plants can thrive in a given area. We’ll look at how temperature affects plants—especially how perennials handle cold through acclimation and dormancy, and how annuals respond to frost. You’ll also explore how to interpret frost dates and plant tolerance levels to make informed choices about timing and selection. Finally, we’ll examine how sunlight exposure and intensity influence plant needs and placement within a growing space.By the end of this week, you will be able to explain how climate, weather, and light conditions affect plant growth; identify microclimates and hardiness zones; distinguish between frost-tolerant and frost-tender plants; and apply these concepts to make informed decisions about plant selection and placement.