Flower garden

Online Course Announcement:
Plant Diagnostics: The Step-by-Step Approach to Identifying Plant Problems

Register for Winter 2024 now!


Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening

Registration is closed for Fall 2023. Next course offered Fall 2024!

In the meantime, stay informed about all our offerings, including announcements about this course. Join our mailing list to receive reminders about courses, webinars, and more!

Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening is an online introductory course where you learn key concepts for selecting, growing, and maintaining plants – from trees to houseplants to vegetables and everything in between!


New to Gardening?

Gardening and learning to grow your own food provides many benefits, but we know it can be a bit intimidating when first starting out.
Check out our
New Gardener Resources to get your Wisconsin garden started quickly and easily.


Latest Horticulture News

Houseplants and your pets

In the depths of a Wisconsin winter, we rely on houseplants for some greenery in our lives. Hopefully, your pets aren’t doing the same. Many pets, especially cats, like to nibble on leaves of houseplants, which can be dangerous as some may be toxic or irritating to animals.

Insect with spotted wings

Spotted Lanternfly Fall 2023 Update

In recent news, Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive insect species native to Asia, has been sighted in Illinois. Spotted Lanternfly is not a threat to humans but poses a significant threat to various plant species.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension welcomes two new Outreach Specialists

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension welcomes two new Outreach Specialists, Allen Pyle and Lauren Mortensen, positioned to amplify outreach and education for Wisconsin’s horticulture community.

Check out Horticulture News Posts from earlier in the season!

Timely Articles for Fall Gardens

image ash tree in fall

Is My Ash Tree Worth Treating for Emerald Ash Borer?

When should I treat my ash tree for EAB? This factsheet addresses some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the treatment of ash trees for EAB, and the removal and disposal of infested trees.

WPR Garden Talk: Fall Lawn Care with Paul Koch (August 31, 2019)

In this episode of Garden Talk, we talk about fall lawn care, including lawn revival, overseeding and repair, as well as fall fertilization and weed control.

Leaf Color Change in Autumn

The colors of autumn leaves are one of nature’s most beautiful spectacles. Learn about what goes on inside leaves that leads to a beautiful fall color show in this article.

Morning Ag Clips: Lawn care tips for the fall with Doug Soldat (October 7, 2019)

Podcast and transcript covering lawn care tips for fall with Doug Soldat, Extension Turfgrass and Urban Soil Specialist.

Photo of a compost bin

Making and Using Compost in the Garden

Making your own compost is an easy, practical, and satisfying way to make use of yard waste and table scraps. With this publication, designed for the home gardener, you’ll be composting like a pro in no time!

image of female deer

Plants Not Favored by Deer

If deer visit your property, before planting (or replanting), check out this list of trees, shrubs, flowers, herbs, and grasses that deer tend to avoid.

Forcing Bulbs

Many plants grown from mbulbs can be forced to bloom indoors during the winter. Learn how to choose, plant, and provide the right conditions to enjjoy spring-flowering blooms indoors while its still winter outside.

Growing Apples in Wisconsin

This publication is a great how-to resource for backyard apple growers. It covers everything from planting to pruning to disease and insect management strategies, to help you get a great harvest.

Wisconsin Lawn Care Calendar

The following lawn care calendar provides an overview of home lawn maintenance. Not all lawns require every maintenance activity. Be sure to customize the care of your lawn to its specific problems and needs.

WPR Garden Talk: Bringing Plants Indoors with Diana Alfuth (September 27, 2019)

Shorter days and cooler nights mean it’s time to start bringing in plants that summer outside. We talk with a horticulturist about how to successfully transition them back into your home. Listen to the episode.

Yard and Garden Cleanup with Diseases and Insects in Mind

By: Andrea Ackerman, Horticulture Outreach Specialist In this video, learn how to approach your garden and yard cleanup with a better understanding of strategies you can use to benefit your yard, keeping in mind plant diseases, insects, winter interest and wildlife food. When preparing a garden for fall and winter, focus on plant diseases, insect […]

Maintaining Lawn and Garden Tools

When it comes to digging in the garden or pruning trees and shrubs, having high quality tools that are cleaned, lubricated, sharpened and otherwise properly maintained, makes any outdoor job simpler and more efficient. Learn how to maintain your garden tools in this useful factsheet.

Support Extension