Want to be a better gardener? Learn online with Extension!

MADISON — Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening is an online, complete-at-your-own-pace introductory course offered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program. This course is designed for anyone who wants to improve their gardening skills, regardless of experience level. Participants learn key concepts for selecting, growing and maintaining plants — from trees to houseplants to vegetables and everything in between. The course runs Sept. 8–Dec. 7.

At the end of Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening, participants will be able to:

Link gardening practices and biology to preventing plant problems.Explain how to select, grow and maintain the health of different kinds of plants.Identify strategies to manage plant problems.Explain what Integrated Pest Management is and how it benefits you and the environment.

This course includes 14 modules with videos featuring Extension specialists, virtual activities, readings and additional resources. The course also incorporates live webinars with Extension specialists who present on their areas of expertise and answer questions from participants.

Participants can dig deeper into important horticulture concepts by registering for additional online lab sessions led by Extension educators. In these labs, learners apply knowledge from the online modules to real-life gardening situations. Labs are held via Zoom and are recorded for later viewing. The online labs are available for purchase for an additional fee.

If you are interested in becoming a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener, this course is considered an approved learning opportunity that must be completed prior to onboarding. For more information on how to become a Master Gardener, visit mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/join.

Early bird registration is open now through Aug. 12. Register at the early bird rate, which includes an electronic version of course manual (PDF). Hard copies of the manual can be purchased at time of registration. Need-based scholarships are available during early bird registration for those who are eligible for financial assistance. Find more information about this course at go.wisc.edu/ExtFoundationsInGardening.

Questions? Contact the course moderator Amy Freidig at gardening.class@extension.wisc.edu.

The UW-Madison Extension Horticulture Program provides research-based horticulture information to Wisconsin gardeners so they can make informed decisions that keep their plants healthy while protecting the environment.