Want to be a better gardener? Whether you’re new to gardening or looking to deepen your skill set, Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening is the course for you.
Offered online by the UW-Madison Division of Extension, this self-paced course runs Sept. 6–Dec. 12, 2026. You’ll learn how to grow and care for everything from trees to vegetables to houseplants—and everything in between! Learn more at go.wisc.edu/ExtFoundationsInGardening.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
- Connect plant biology with good gardening practices
- Explain how to select, grow, and maintain the health of different kinds of plants
- Manage common plant problems
- Use Integrated Pest Management strategies to protect plant health and the environment
Foundations in Gardening includes 14 modules with videos, virtual activities, readings, and live webinars featuring horticulture experts. You can also sign up for optional “dig deeper” online workshops to apply what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios (additional fee applies).
If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, Foundations in Gardening counts as an approved learning opportunity to join the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program. For more information on how to become a Master Gardener, visit mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/join.
Early Bird registration is open July 13–Aug. 9, 2026, for $299, including a digital course manual. You may purchase a physical copy of the course manual for an additional fee. The regular course fee is $349, with registration closing Aug. 24. Scholarships are available on a first come, first served basis for those eligible for financial assistance. Learn more and register at go.wisc.edu/ExtFoundationsInGardening.
Questions? Email course moderator Amy Freidig at gardening.class@extension.wisc.edu
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.