Understanding and Improving Garden Soils: A Deeper Look

Class Start Date Rescheduled

Bryce Lane, Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Emeritus and Lecturer Emeritus, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University

Mondays, January 26 through February 23, 2026 – 6:30 pm–8:30 pm
New schedule — Mondays, February 2 through March 2, 2026 – 6:30 pm–8:30 pm

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The start date for this class has been delayed due to weather. Class will now be Mondays, February 2 through March 2. For registration and other details, please visit the the updated calendar announcement.

Monday Nights | In-Person + Zoom | Recordings Provided

Healthy plants start with healthy soil—but what is healthy soil, and how can you build it in your own garden? This course takes you below the surface to explore the science and structure that make soils thrive. By delving into the chemistry, biology, and 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 5-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.

Course Topics Include:

• The physical, chemical, and biological components of soil
• How soil composition and structure affect drainage and root growth
• Testing and interpreting soil texture and pH
• Improving soils with compost and organic matter
• Understanding fertilizers, nutrients, and plant uptake
• Building long-term soil health for sustainable gardening

Why Attend?

• Healthier Gardens – Learn how to build and maintain the foundation your plants depend on.
• Smarter Fertilizing – Understand what your soil and plants truly need before you reach for a bag of fertilizer.
• Practical Insights – Translate soil science into clear, actionable steps you can apply in your own garden to improve performance and reduce guesswork.
• Expert Guidance – Benefit from an experienced educator who makes complex concepts understandable, connecting scientific principles to real-world gardening.

This hybrid course is offered both in person at the JC Raulston Arboretum and online via Zoom, giving you the flexibility to attend from anywhere. Can't make it to every session? All lectures will be recorded and shared with participants each week, so you won't miss a thing.

Sign Up Today!

Whether you’re new to soil science or a returning gardener ready to take a deeper look, this course will help you grow more confidently from the ground up.

About Bryce Lane

Bryce has been teaching students, home gardeners and garden professionals for over 40 years. Many may know Bryce from his UNC TV public television show called "In the Garden With Bryce Lane" which was on the air for 11 seasons and won three Emmys. Others may know him as a student from his time in the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University.

Growing up in Western Massachusetts, Bryce discovered his passion for plants and telling others about them while working at a local garden center through high school and college. After earning his B.S. in plant science from the University of Massachusetts in 1979 and an M.S. in horticulture from The Ohio State University in 1981, he came to the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University where he taught in the two-year and four-year programs, majors and non-majors, served as the undergraduate coordinator and even the interim director of the JC Raulston Arboretum.

He has received numerous local, regional, and national teaching awards and is frequently invited to speak at many workshops and symposia, about teaching as well as horticulture and gardening. Most importantly, he has been married for over 45 years to his high school sweetheart, has two happily married daughters, and six incredible grandchildren. He is an avid gardener who has gardened in the same spot for more than 40 years with many stories, advice and passion to share with other gardeners regardless of their experience!

Cost

$200.00 for JCRA Members, $250.00 for nonmembers. Note to nonmembers: instead of paying $50.00 more for the program, become a member for $50.00 instead.

Registration

Advance registration is required.

Registration is considered complete when payment is received. You will receive a confirmation receipt from notify@cashnet.com when registered.

Cancellation

Program cancellations can be made up to two weeks before the program's start date. No refunds will be made after this time. A 15% cancellation fee applies.

To request a cancellation, send an email to the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu with the participant name and program information.

Location

Online and in person at the Ruby C. McSwain Education Center, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.

Directions

Need directions? Click here.

Parking

Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.

Questions

Contact the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu for more information about this program.