Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program Onboarding

Second in a series of courses for people becoming Wisconsin Extension Master Gardeners

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).

2027 Registration

2027 Course Dates: Monday, February 15 – Sunday, March 28, 2027. Course is self-study and highly flexible. Course has limited capacity, please register early.

2027 Course Fee:

Early Bird: $100, Tuesday, December 15, 2026 – Friday, January 8, 2027
Regular: $135, Saturday, January 9 – Sunday, February 7, 2027

2027 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 registration form below. Upon verification we will email you a registration link.

We look forward to having you in the program!

Please check back Dec. 15, 2026

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 in your volunteer role. This course prepares you to start your journey in helping communities across the state.

Throughout the course, you will learn:

How the Master Gardener Program fits within the Extension Horticulture Program and UW-Madison Extension and how our work brings the “Wisconsin Idea” to life in your community.
How to be an inclusive trustworthy ambassador by using self-awareness and specific search skills to find and share reliable, research-based information.
Your specific roles, ethical standards, and responsibilities when you are representing the program and the university.
How to use program tools and checklists to identify volunteer opportunities and continuing education that “count” toward your yearly requirements.

In addition, you will:

Demonstrate your horticulture knowledge by successfully passing the open-book horticulture entrance exam.
Set up your official accounts for the Online Reporting System (ORS) and the Master Gardener Program Canvas classroom.
Complete all necessary steps to officially become a participant in the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program.

This course will NOT contain additional gardening information. However, you will test your basic knowledge of gardening through a horticulture exam.

Course Overview

What: This online, self-paced course opens modules on a schedule during the first three weeks, then unlocks all remaining content for the final three weeks so you can finish at your own speed. Includes modules, activities, quizzes, and a horticulture exam. You will also have the opportunity to interact with other course participants and the program coordinators through two live webinars One webinar will be recorded and the other is optional. The course includes an electronic (PDF) copy of the Foundations in Gardening manual, available when the course begins.

When: The course runs Monday, February 15 – Sunday, March 28, 2027.

Participants must complete course material and horticulture exam by March 28, 2027. (see FAQ “Do I need to complete the course by March 28, 2027?”) 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 other course participants and 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 during the course.

You can learn at your own pace to suit your schedule best. This online, self-paced course opens modules on a schedule during the first three weeks, then unlocks all remaining content for the final three weeks so you can finish at your own speed. 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 28, 2027?

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. Webinars are hosted using Zoom.

What am I going to do in the course?

You’ll read, watch videos, 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.