New Foundations in Gardening FAQs
FOUNDATIONS IN GARDENING
Frequently Asked Questions
|
|
|
|
|
|
Course Times & Flexibility
Do I need to be anywhere at a particular time?
In general, no. You can go at your own pace and on days and times that fit your unique schedule. We provide a suggested weekly calendar so you can complete all aspects of the course during the moderated course window (September – December). The only “be here at this time” events are our “Q&A with the Experts” webinars. We hope folks can attend live but completely understand that busy adults need flexibility. All the webinars are recorded and posted so everyone can view them when available.
Do I need to complete the course by December 6th?
- No, but we recommend that you try to, especially if you’re planning on entering the Master Gardener Program Onboarding course right after. We provide a suggested weekly calendar so you can complete all aspects of the course during the moderated course window (September – December).
- During the moderated course window, live webinars take place and discussion boards are actively monitored by the course moderator.
- Enrolled students in the 2025 class will have until January 15, 2026 to finish up all aspects of the course if they would like to receive an official course completion certificate.
- You have course access until August 31, 2026 and can self-study up through then. All course materials, including the webinar recordings, are available to you.
How much time should I budget for each week?
We recommend planning three to five hours per week (per module). Please note that you may spend more or less time. Webinars and optional online labs may add more time.
We provide a suggested weekly calendar so you can complete all aspects of the course during the moderated course window (September – December). Units containing course content open up periodically throughout the course corresponding with the weekly schedule.
Do you offer this any other time other of year?
Foundations in Gardening is offered annually in fall.
How the Course Is Taught
Where online does the course take place?
Foundations in Gardening uses an online learning platform called Canvas. We call it our “online classroom.” Canvas is where enrolled students access and interact with the course content such as readings, videos, practice exercises and more. In Canvas, you can work on your own and at your own pace.
What am I going to do in the course?
You’ll read, watch videos, take notes (optional), take quizzes, view webinars and practice the material with short online activities. There’s something for everyone, however you like to learn!
Is there a teacher?
Yes, a course moderator is available during the moderated course period (September-December) to answer questions and help you. You will be able to contact the course moderator through our Canvas classroom and email once the course begins. We are here to support your learning!
You also get to learn from Extension experts and specialists during the Q&A with the Experts webinars.
Is the course graded?
No! The course is all about your learning. You do not need to worry about grades.
Please note: To register for the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program Onboarding course or to receive an official course completion digital certificate/4 CEUs, you must have completed all aspects of the course.
Manual
I bought a hard copy of the course manual. When do I get it?
Manuals ordered by during the Early Bird registration period are shipped with the expectation they will arrive by the course start date. We cannot control shipping issues that may arise but work with our printer troubleshoot delivery issues. If you have questions or concerns about your manual delivery, reach out to us at gardening.class@extension.wisc.edu.
Manuals ordered during the regular registration window are not guaranteed to arrive by the course start date. Please note, participants who order a manual during the regular registration window will have an electronic (PDF) version of the manual to use until the hard copy arrives.
If I register for the course only and then afterward wish I had purchased a hard copy of the training manual, can I still do that?
No. The hard copy of the training manual is only available for purchase at the time of registration.
When do I get the electronic (PDF) manual?
The electronic (PDF) manual is available in the Canvas classroom when the course begins on September 7, 2025. We do not offer a link to the electronic manual before the course begins.
Online Labs
What are the optional Foundations in Gardening Online Labs?
Participating in the optional Foundations in Gardening Labs is a way to learn more and apply what you learn in an interactive, online setting.
Topics covered include interpreting a soil test report, identifying and troubleshooting pest problems, locating and using science-based resources, and pruning.
In each Lab, you will:
- Learn more while engaging with Extension Educators and other participants.
- Dig deeper into Foundations in Gardening concepts by applying them to real life situations.
- Participate in both large and small group activities and discussions.
Labs are held online via Zoom. Zoom connection information is shared with those enrolled in the Labs prior to each Lab date.
When are the Labs?
For each lab, you can attend the day and time that works best for your schedule that week. It’s up to you! You do not need to sign up for a specific Lab date/time. You may attend only one Lab per week.
Attend on the day/time that works for you!
2025 lab dates/times:
| LAB #1 Label Reading, Interpreting a Soil Test | LAB #2 Integrated Pest Management | LAB #3 Botany, Plant Identification | LAB #4 Pruning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, September 29 10-11:00 a.m. | Monday, October 20 10-11:00 a.m. | Monday, November 10 10-11:00 a.m. | Monday, November 17 10-11:00 a.m. |
| Monday, September 29 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Monday, October 20 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Monday, November 10 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Monday, November 17 6:30-7:30 p.m. |
| Thursday October 2 Noon-1 p.m. | Thursday, October 23 Noon-1 p.m. | Thursday November 13 Noon-1 p.m. | Thursday November 20 Noon-1 p.m. |
How do I register for a Lab section?
Once you register for the Foundations in Gardening course, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to register for the Labs. The link will take you to an external site where you will complete registration for the Labs and pay the $40 Lab fee. You must use that link to register.
All four Labs are included in the Lab fee. You cannot register for a single Lab without paying for all four.
Will the Labs be recorded?
Yes. The recordings will be made available to those who enrolled in the Labs.
What if I did not register for the optional Labs and have now changed my mind? Can I still register?
Yes, you can still register until the lab registration deadline. Lab registration is open until (September 22, 2025). Once Lab registration closes, you will no longer be able to register for a Lab.
Lab registration is separate from the Foundations in Gardening course registration process. To find the link to register for the lab, refer back to your course confirmation email that you received after registering for Foundations in Gardening.
Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program
How do I join the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program?
After completing Foundations in Gardening (which we verify), you are eligible to register for the online Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program Onboarding course. Onboarding takes place annually in winter after Foundations in Gardening. It is the second step in the process to become a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener.
Is Foundations in Gardening a required prerequisite for the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program?
Foundations in Gardening is considered an approved learning opportunity from the Wisconsin Extension Horticulture Program, which is the first step in the process to become a Master Gardener. See the Master Gardener Program website for more details.
How much does Onboarding cost?
The anticipated cost of the Onboarding course is $100.
Do I have to take an entrance exam to get into the Master Gardener Program?
The only exam you need to take is a part of the Onboarding course. It is open book. It is based on the horticultural concepts you learned in Foundations in Gardening.
Where can I hear more about the Master Gardener Program?
We hold an informational webinar (optional) during the Foundations in Gardening course with the Master Gardener Program coordinators so you can get your questions answered. Dates are announced in the course. The webinar is recorded for later viewing.
Registration and Fees
Can I register over the phone?
Yes, you can register for the course and order your manual over the phone. Contact our conference registration services at 608-262-2451 for help registering over the phone.
Please note, registering for the optional online Labs is a separate process. To register for the online Labs, you must use the link provided in your confirmation email (which you receive after registering for the course). The link will take you to an external site where you will complete registration for the Labs and pay the Lab fee.
Registration Fees
2025 Course fee:
- Early Bird: $299, includes electronic version of manual (PDF). Need-based scholarships available during Early Bird registration only. See the course page for scholarship information and to apply.
- Regular: $325, includes electronic version of manual (PDF).
Optional add-ons:
- Manual Hard Copy (recommended): $35
Register during Early Bird registration and receive your manual prior to the course start date! Manuals are only available for purchase during registration. - Online Labs: $40. Please note, registering for the optional online Labs is a separate process. To register for the online Labs, you must use the link provided in your confirmation email (which you receive after registering for the course). The link will take you to an external site where you will complete registration for the Labs and pay the Lab fee.
Cancellation Policy
Foundations in Gardening Course: Course cancellations prior to the course start date will receive a refund less $30 for processing. No refunds will be issued on or after the course start date. (Course start date for the 2025 course cycle: September 7, 2025. Course start date for the 2024 course cycle: September 8, 2024.)
Training Manual: If purchasing the training manual, no refunds or returns after the Early Bird course registration period.
Online Labs: Due to the limited availability of the Labs, there are no refunds.
Other Questions?
Reach out to us with your specific questions. We look forward to helping you!
Course + Manual
Email Extension staff at:
gardening.class@extension.wisc.edu.
Please allow 5 business days for a reply.
Online Labs
Email our Lab coordinator at:
margaret.murphy@wisc.edu.
Registration
Please contact our registration services at 608-262-2451 or email registrations@pyle.wisc.edu.
Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program
Email MGP coordinators at: wimastergardener@extension.wisc.edu
Help! I'm registered and need some technical assistance
Contacting Technical Support:
To reset or get help with your NetID username or password:
Contact the DoIT Help Desk by phone at 608-264-HELP (4357). Current hours can be found on the DoIT Help Desk website. You must contact DoIT via phone. They cannot provide login assistance via email or LiveChat. You must have access to the email address you used to sign up for the course in order to verify your identity and must identify yourself as a L3 learner with Extension.
For all other inquiries, including having the Get Started email resent to you, please send an email to courses@extension.wisc.edu and include this information:
- Your first and last name
- The email address used to sign up for the course
- The name of the course you signed up for
Please allow up to 3 business days for a response.
