Onboarding
Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program Onboarding
Second in a series of courses for people becoming Wisconsin Extension Master Gardeners
This course is for you if:
- You are enthusiastic about gardening.
- You have a willingness to learn more.
- You want to give back to your community through volunteer service.
Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Onboarding is an online course for individuals wishing to become a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener. Joining the program requires you to take a series of two courses. Course #1 is participating in an approved learning opportunity from the Wisconsin Extension Horticulture Program. Course #2 is registering and completing Onboarding (this course).
Registration Open!
2025 Course dates: February 17 – March 30, 2025. Course is self-study and highly flexible. Course has limited capacity, please register early.
2025 Course fee:
- Early Bird: $100, December 9, 2024 to January 12, 2025
- Regular: $125, January 13 – 31, 2025
2025 Registration:
Thank you for your interest in the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program. Joining the program is a two-step process. Step #1 is participating in an approved learning opportunity from the Wisconsin Extension Horticulture Program. Step #2 is registering and completing this course.
To receive a registration link, we must first verify your contact information and completion of an approved learning opportunity.
Please fill out the form below. Upon verification we will email you a registration link.
We look forward to having you in the program!
What will I learn?
This course introduces you to the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener program. You will explore the history of the program, what it means to be a Master Gardener, requirements and guidelines for participation, and resources available to you. This course prepares you to start your journey in helping communities across the state.
In this course, you’ll learn:
- The role of a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener.
- Tools, techniques, and resources to help you as a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener.
- Program policies and guidelines for your activities.
- Activities that count as volunteer service and continuing education.
In addition, you will test your basic knowledge of horticulture through the entrance exam.
Course Overview
What: An online course where you move at your own pace. Includes modules, activities, quizzes, and a horticulture exam. You will also have the opportunity to hear directly from program coordinators through two live webinars. The webinars will be recorded. The course includes an electronic (PDF) copy of the Foundations in Gardening manual, available when the course begins.
When: The course runs February 17 – March 30, 2025.
Participants must complete course material and horticulture exam by March 30, 2025. (see FAQ “Do I need to complete the course by March 30, 2025?”) We provide a suggested calendar to help you complete the course on time.
Who: The course is open to individuals who are 18 years or older, want to become a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener, and have successfully completed an approved learning opportunity. Transfers from another state and returning individuals need to contact the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program at wimastergardener@extension.wisc.edu for requirements.
How: This is an online course that uses Canvas and Zoom.
Questions?
Answers below to frequently asked questions.
Course Times & Flexibility
Do I need to be anywhere at a particular time?
The only fixed events are the live webinars with program coordinators, but don’t worry if you can’t make it; we understand that busy adults need flexibility. All required webinars are recorded and made available for viewing throughout the course.
You can learn at your own pace to suit your schedule best. We offer a suggested weekly calendar to help you complete all aspects of the course within the designated timeframe.
Do I need to complete the course by March 30, 2025?
Yes, quizzes and the horticulture exam are graded. You must achieve the required grades to become a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener. Without this you will need to retake the next available Onboarding course and pay the fee to become a participant in the program.
Most students find this very doable! If you need assistance, we are here to support your learning. The practice activities are not graded.
Do you offer this course any other time of the year?
No, Onboarding is only offered once a year.
How is the course taught?
Where online does the course take place?
Onboarding uses an online learning platform called Canvas. Canvas is where enrolled students access and interact with the course content such as readings, quizzes, practice exercises, horticulture exam 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, take quizzes, view webinars, practice the material through activities, and take the horticulture exam.
Is there a teacher?
Yes, a course moderator is available during the course to answer questions and help you. You will be able to contact the course moderator through our Canvas course and email once the course begins. We are here to support your learning!
Is the course graded?
Yes, quizzes and the horticulture exam are graded. You must achieve the required grades to become a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener. Most students find this very doable! If you need assistance, we are here to support your learning. The practice activities are not graded.
Registration and Fees
What is an approved learning opportunity?
The following count for approved learning opportunities, must be taken and completed in the last 5 years:
- Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening
- Foundations in Horticulture (offered in 2020 and 2021)
- County-based courses taught by the Wisconsin Extension Horticulture Program
Registration fees
Early Bird: $100, includes an electronic version of the Foundations in Gardening Manual (PDF)
Regular: $125, includes an electronic version of the Foundations in Gardening Manual (PDF)
Can I register over the phone?
Registration is a two step process. The first step cannot be done over the phone, but the second step can. When registration opens, you must first fill out the Google Form for us to verify you have completed an approved learning opportunity. Once verified you will receive a registration link and more information on how to register for the course over the phone if needed.
Cancellation policy
Course cancellations received on or before February 13, 2025 will receive a refund minus a $20.00 processing fee. No refunds will be provided for cancellations made after February 13, 2025.
