Become A Master Gardener
Master Gardeners are from all walks of life. They are university-trained volunteers who are passionate about sharing best practices and gardening information with people in their local communities. They have completed a Master Gardener training program, which covers a broad spectrum of gardening topics, including plant and soil science, disease, insect and weed identification, and how to select, grow, and maintain the health of different kinds of plants. Candidates for the Master Gardener training program may have very little experience or knowledge about gardening or they may know a lot, but all have a desire to learn, a passion for lifelong learning, and a commitment to improving their communities.
How to Become a
Master Gardener
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Step 1: Take the online training program
Master Gardener training is offered from Wisconsin Extension as an online, complete-at-your-own-pace course. The core course, called Foundations in Gardening, teaches you research-based methods to grow plants and manage pests. You will move at your own pace through 13 modules with online videos, readings, activities and scheduled live webinars.
The next class will begin in fall 2025. Open enrollment begins in mid-July. For more information about this training program, please complete the Master Gardener Interest Form below. We will send you more information about how to register for training and will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns that you have as your progress through the course.
Step 2: Complete onboarding and complete the entrance exam
The short Onboarding course introduces you to the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener program and prepares you to start volunteering in your local community.
Step 3: Join the Door County Master Gardeners Association
Upon completing the full Master Gardener Program, you can join the Door County Master Gardeners and become part of a great group of kindred spirits. Send us an email at dcmga4312@gmail.com to request details on how to join our association.
Step 4: Complete annual volunteer and educational requirements
After the first year of certification, Master Gardeners must complete 10 hours continuing education and 24 hours of volunteer service annually to maintain their certification. The DCMGA offers many opportunities to fulfill your educational and volunteer hours to maintain your status as a Certified Master Gardener!