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How to Join the Master Gardener Program

#1. Learn

Learn about plants and how to take care of them. Participate in an approved learning opportunity from the Wisconsin Extension Horticulture Program such as a county-based course (limited availability) or sign up for our statewide online Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening (Next course, Fall 2023). These approved learning opportunities are led and facilitated by Extension Horticulture Educators and cover objectives and subjects in the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program Onboarding exam.

#2. Accomplish

Our Onboarding course introduces you to the requirements of the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener. Additionally, you will complete the entrance exam, which requires a score of 70% or better. Our Onboarding course is only available January through March, annually.

#3. Do

As a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener you apply your knowledge and skills educating others and gardening at local organizations. Volunteer service and continuing education are required to be completed and reported each year.

#4. Make a Difference

Your involvement will lead to an increase in knowledge and skill in yourself and those your reach. You will use your knowledge of plants to improve lives of others and the community you live in. This, ultimately, will lead to a bigger change in the world around us.

#1. Learn Choose how you learn best!; In-person Extension classes; Foundations in Gardening, Online; Transfer from another state; #2. Accomplish; Enroll in the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program Onboarding Course January through March, annually; Complete the online orientation. Pass the entrance exam; Must score 70% or better;#3. Do each year Volunteer Your time gardening and educating others with an organization;Keep learning Appropriate subject matters; Enter your hours, Tell us what your do by entering your efforts into our online system; #4. Make a Difference, Increase the knowledge of gardening in yourself and others, Use plants to improve lives and communities, Make the world better

Transfers for another state and returning individuals need to contact the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program at wimastergardener@extension.wisc.edu for requirements.