Tickets go on sale November 24, 2025.  Use promo code MGP2026 to save $2 each on up to two admission tickets per current participant.

Save the Date!

Plant Diagnostics: The Step-by-Step Approach to Identifying Plant Problems

Registration opens December 9, 2025. 

Moderated course dates: Feb. 1–April 30, 2026 

100% Online | Self-Paced | 7.5 Hours Continuing Education

Level-up your skills as a Master Gardener by learning the process of identifying plant problems! This course explains the basics of the plant diagnostic process in an easy-to-understand way. The knowledge you gain will not only improve the health of your gardens, but also enhance your ability to educate others.

Course Fee: Master Gardeners receive a discounted rate of $49, which includes two live webinars and access to course materials through 12/31/2026. The course is moderated from February-April to help answer questions and provide guidance on course content. 

Got a question about the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program you've been "weeding" through? Potting Bench Time is a new, relaxed service designed to give you quick, personal support directly from the program office staff, Kimberly and Robert.

Think of it as casual, drop-in office hours: pop in, "plant" a question, and get a direct answer. There will be no presentation or slide deck—we are here strictly for individual assistance!

Last Drop-In Session of 2025:

Thursday, December 11

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

How to Join: No registration is required—just click the link below and join us!

If you prefer, you can open Zoom and enter the details below: 

Meeting ID: 995 5709 6188 Passcode: 154084

To report volunteer service hours from 2025 towards an organization not already listed in the ORS, you must submit it for review and publishing by Monday, December 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. 

To help those who volunteer late in the season, we've extended the 2025 reporting deadline. While the 2025 reporting year officially ends on December 31, 2025, you will have a few extra days to log your hours into the Online Reporting System (ORS).

ORS Access for 2025 Closes Monday, January 5, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Important Note: This extension is only for entering 2025 volunteer service and continuing education hours. Any hours completed between January 1 - January 5, 2026, must be held and entered later when the ORS reopens for 2026.

Tech Support Hours: 9 AM–4 PM, Mon–Fri (Last Day 12/22/25)

Winter Break Closure: Office Closes Noon 12/23/25 (Reopens 1/5/26)

This Plants Plus module guides you through the next steps for caring for holiday gift plants—like poinsettia, holiday cactus, and Norfolk Island Pine—indoors.

Plants Plus is a free Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener exclusive continuing education series.  Find a variety of topics to learn about in the Master Gardener Program: Canvas Classroom.  These learning modules focus on specific topics using research-based information to help you grow your horticulture knowledge.

Learn on demand and at your own pace!

Are you looking for reliable plant advice? Join Extension on Monday, Dec. 15 for the opportunity to connect with UW plant health experts who can answer any questions you have about plants in and around your home. Whether you need help with indoor plants or want to tackle the problems you had with your lawn or garden last summer, our panel of experts is here to help.

Why should I choose a live Christmas tree instead of an artificial tree?

How do I select a quality Christmas tree?

What type of tree species should I choose?

How do I maintain my Christmas tree indoors?

Written by: Laura Jull, UW-Madison Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences

Have you logged at least 1,000 volunteer service hours?  Did you previously hold the Honored participation level? If you're ready to step away from the program's ongoing service and technology requirements, you may be eligible for Lifetime Service Recognition. This is a way to thank and acknowledge your dedication as you move into the next chapter of your life.  

To nominate a participant who has passed away for this honor, please email us at wimastergardener@extension.wisc.edu to ask for a review of their records.    

If You Have Not Completed Onboarding-Lite in 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025:

You are required to complete Onboarding-Lite 2025 in its entirety before you can begin volunteering or earning continuing education hours. You must achieve a score of 100% on all quizzes. Any hours you record before completing this requirement will be removed from the Online Reporting System (ORS). No exceptions will be made.

If You Have Completed Onboarding-Lite in 2022, 2023, or 2024:

You are not required to retake the full Onboarding-Lite 2025 course. However, since the course is a vital resource with important updates, we strongly recommend you review the new content. 

All participants within the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program are expected to follow the Code of Ethics, preserving the integrity of the program. To report issues that undermine our commitment to promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all, please see below. We understand that reporting these issues can be difficult and emotional and we thank you for taking the time to submit a concern.