Indoor Gardening Classes
Steve Koontz, Indoor Gardening Specialist, teaches in-person, indoor gardening classes. These classes include Indoor Gardening 101, Free Plants Through Propagation, Growing Edibles Indoors, Starting Plants from Seed, and more.
“I really enjoyed the Indoor Gardening 101 class at Purdue! I learned several new things and even got to pot a plant to take home. The class was fun, informative, and hands-on. I’ve already signed up for another upcoming class and am really looking forward to it!” – Google review from a 2025 class attendee
Contact Steve at steve@keepitwatered.com or call/text 574-366-0939 to talk about having him speak at your event.
Purdue Fort Wayne Indoor Gardening Classes
Free Houseplants through Propagation – Purdue Fort Wayne Campus
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026, from 6:30-8:30pm
Grow your plant collection and gardening skills-learn the art of propagation!
Did you know that instead of buying new plants, you can grow your own from the ones you already have? Many houseplants can be propagated using techniques such as cutting, division, or offsets, making it an easy and cost-effective way to expand your collection or share plants with others.
In this engaging and hands-on class, Steve will guide you through the essentials of plant propagation. You’ll learn step-by-step how to identify which propagation method works best for different types of plants and how to apply these techniques successfully. Steve will provide live demonstrations of propagating popular plant varieties and share tips for recognizing the signs that a plant is ready to propagate.
Beyond propagation, Steve will offer expert advice on supplemental lighting, including how to choose the right grow lights to keep your houseplants thriving and looking their best year-round. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or new to indoor gardening, this class will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to grow and care for your plants like a pro.
Growing Plants from Seed – Purdue Fort Wayne Campus
Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 6:30-8:30pm
Get a head start on your spring garden!
March is the perfect time to get a head start on your spring garden by starting plants from seed. In this hands-on class, students will learn how to plant a variety of vegetable and flower seeds to grow healthy seedlings ready for spring planting. From selecting the right seeds to nurturing them as they sprout, this class will guide you through the entire seed-starting process.
Steve will also share tips for choosing the best supplemental lighting to encourage strong, vibrant growth in your seedlings. You’ll discover how to create the ideal conditions for young plants indoors and learn the steps to successfully transition them to outdoor growing when the time is right.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this class will help you kick off your gardening season with confidence and enthusiasm.
Indoor Gardening 101: Grow Thriving Houseplants! – Purdue Fort Wayne Campus
“Friendly instructor who created a comfortable/open atmosphere. Nice to go home with a freshly re-potted plant.”
2025 Indoor Gardening 101 Attendee
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 6:30-8:30pm
Grow Thriving Houseplants!
Growing plants indoors might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! In this one-session class, you’ll learn the essential do’s and don’ts of indoor gardening to help your houseplants thrive.
We’ll cover how to choose the right plants for your space, and dive into key topics like lighting, watering, temperature, humidity, pest prevention, fertilizing, and soil selection. You’ll also pick up tips for reviving struggling plants and get special insights into caring for succulents.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, join us on this botanical adventure and watch your green oasis flourish!
Registration coming soon!
Grow Lettuce in Your Living Room! – Purdue Fort Wayne Campus
“Steve was a knowledgeable engaging instructor. He did a great job of asking questions and making sure we caught the important points. Learning about the impact of warm and cold light on plants at the various stages of their lifecycle was the most interesting to me.”
2025 – Grow Lettuce in Your Living Room attendee
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 6:00-8:00pm
Grow Lettuce in Your Living Room!
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to give up fresh, homegrown produce! In this hands-on class, you’ll discover how to grow vegetables and herbs indoors-even while snow falls outside.
We’ll cover which veggies are easiest to grow inside, affordable lighting options that boost plant growth, and how to care for those potted grocery store herbs. You’ll also learn about indoor light requirements, pollination techniques for fruiting plants, and more.
Plus, we’ll explore soil-less gardening – from a simple DIY hydroponic system to store-bought options – along with guidance on water, nutrient, and lighting needs, and which plants thrive best without soil.
Registration coming soon!
Succulents Made Simple! – Purdue Fort Wayne Campus
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 6:30-8:00pm
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You can’t kill a cactus.” But as Steve knows from experience, that’s not exactly true. Succulents require the right care to truly thrive-and that’s exactly what this class is all about.
Whether you’re a new plant parent or looking to take your succulent skills to the next level, this course will give you the knowledge and confidence to grow healthy, vibrant plants. You’ll learn what actually makes a plant a succulent, how to choose the best artificial lighting, when and how to water, and why soil and pots matter more than you might think. We’ll also cover how to mix your own potting soil, propagation techniques, pest control, and more. Join us to discover just how fun and rewarding succulent care can be!