Step 1 | Complete the Foundations in Gardening online training class through the University of Wisconsin Extension.
FOUNDATIONS IN GARDENING – Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin is an online, complete-at-your-own-pace introductory course where you learn key concepts for selecting, growing, and maintaining all types of plants
Learn about growing plants in a way that helps you plan for gardening success, prevent plant problems before they start, and manage issues when they happen. You’ll leave the course with a combination of practical gardening skills to try plus the knowledge of why they work.
The course includes 14 modules with online videos, readings, activities, and additional resources. You will hear directly from Extension experts through videos and live Q & A with the webinars.
Step 2 | Complete the Master Gardener Onboarding course.
The online Onboarding course introduces you to the requirements of the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program. The course takes place in February and March each year. As part of the course, participants must pass the horticulture entrance exam, which requires a score of 70% or better. The test is open book.
Step 3 | Join an Association.
After completing the onboarding course and passing the exam you become a Master Gardener. You can choose to remain independent, or you can join an association. The benefits of joining an association are that you can work with other Master Gardeners on volunteer opportunities, learn from each other and have fun. Generally, there are associations in each county in Wisconsin with some counties combined into one association. We hope you decide to join Master Gardeners and our association.
Contact us: wcwimastergardeners @ gmail.com (no spaces)
Information on the Next Foundations in Gardening online course can be found here.
2026 Registration dates: Early Bird: July 13-Aug. 9, 2026; Regular: Aug. 10-24, 2026.
There is a limit to how many can register so make sure to sign up early.
2026 Course dates: Moderated course: Sept. 6-Dec. 12, 2026. Course is self-study and highly flexible. Participants have access to online course materials through Aug. 31, 2027.
Click here for more information about becoming a Master Gardener. https://mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/join/
Already a Master Gardener and want to work with others in Washington County, WI or nearby? Contact us:
wcwimastergardeners @ gmail.com (no spaces)
to join.
Each year Master Gardeners are required to complete 10 hours of continuing education and provide 24 hours of volunteer service to remain certified with the UW Extension. To remain active in the program you only need to submit one hour of volunteer service and one hour of continuing education yearly.
Submit your hours to the UW-Extension Online Reporting System by December 31st every year.
Learn about the ORS and how you can enter your hours:
Visit https://ors.wimastergardener.org/sec_Login to access the system and for directions.
Attention Former Master Gardeners!
Are you a Wisconsin Master Gardener who hasn’t turned in your hours for a few years? Did you know that you can always re-join? Transfers from another state or returning individuals need to contact the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program at wimastergardener@extension.wisc.edu for requirements.
