Wisconsin Horticulture - Extension

Want to be a better gardener? Whether you're new to gardening or looking to deepen your skill set, “Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening” is the course for you!

Registration is open for the Fall 2026 course, which runs from Sept. 6-Dec. 12. This online, self-paced course covers the fundamentals of growing and caring for plants in Wisconsin. It also serves as an approved learning opportunity to become a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener.

Learn more and get an Early Bird registration discount at: go.wisc.edu/cf3459

If parts of your lawn struggle in shade, sit unused, or need constant upkeep, our staff have developed a list of beautiful groundcover alternatives that reduce maintenance, support pollinators, and create a more resilient landscape.

🌼 View the full list here: hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/alternatives-to-lawn-groundcovers

Join us online next Wednesday, July 15 at 1:30 p.m. for Ask Your Gardening Question: LIVE, a monthly web series where you can connect directly with plant health experts from UW and get free advice for your yard and garden—houseplants too!

Our panel of experts can speak on a wide range of gardening topics, including:
🌳 Caring for trees and shrubs
🍓 Growing fruits and vegetables
🏡 Maintaining healthy lawns
🐜 Managing plant diseases and pests

…and so much more! Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your gardening knowledge. Register for free at go.wisc.edu/AYGQJuly15

Free Online Gardening Programs Join Wisconsin Horticulture Extension for free online gardening programs — and watch from any device! Our topics are suitable for gardeners of any skill level.

What pests, problems, and pleasures are showing up in Wisconsin gardens right now, and what should you do about them?

Each month during Ask Your Gardening Question: LIVE, our Extension educators answer gardening questions in real time and share practical advice to use in your own home—even houseplants! Check out June’s Q&A recap to see if someone else’s question can help you:
hort.extension.wisc.edu/ask-your-gardening-question-live/recap

Interested in joining the next round of Ask Your Gardening Question: LIVE? Register for free and bring your questions.

📅 Wednesday, July 15
⏰ 1:30–2:30 p.m.
👉 Register: go.wisc.edu/AYGQJuly15

Want to be a Master Gardener in Wisconsin? Here’s how to get started. 🌱

If you love digging in the dirt, growing plants, protecting the environment, and sharing knowledge with others, then the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program may be just the right thing for you. The path to certification typically starts in fall. Learn what it takes to become a Master Gardener here: hort.extension.wisc.edu/how-to-become-a-master-gardener

If you’ve wanted to attend Ask Your Gardening Question: LIVE, but daytime schedules get in the way, don’t miss our next EVENING session on Wednesday, June 17 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Bring your plant questions, pest concerns, or simply listen and learn. Our panel of horticulture experts will share simple explanations and practical advice to help you garden with confidence.

Register for free: go.wisc.edu/aygq61726

From peonies and pothos to insects and tree problems, Wisconsin gardeners bring all kinds of questions to Ask Your Gardening Question: Live.

Our latest recap highlights questions answered by UW-Madison Extension plant health experts, covering topics like insects, plant diseases, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and more.

If you've ever wondered whether your gardening question is worth asking, take a look at the recap. Chances are someone is dealing with the same challenge in their yard or garden: hort.extension.wisc.edu/ask-your-gardening-question-live/recap 🍅🐞

Have a question of your own? Join us for an upcoming Ask Your Gardening Question: Live session and get answers directly from our experts. The sessions are free and open to everyone.

Join us Friday, June 12 for the third and final session of the "Big 3 Apple Insect Webinar Series!" 🍎🪰

The series concludes with a look at the Apple Maggot, a common fly species that is active in orchards mid- to late-summer. Learn the best monitoring and management practices to protect your ripening fruit as you head toward harvest.

Register for free at go.wisc.edu/Big3Webinar-AM
This webinar will be recorded for later viewing.

Did your lilacs finish blooming? Now is the time to prune.

Spring-blooming shrubs—like lilac, forsythia, weigela, viburnum, and others—set their flower buds the year before. Pruning at the right time is crucial to ensure plenty of blooms next season. If you prune too late, you risk removing next year's flowers.

Learn when, how, and what to prune for the healthiest shrubs: hort.extension.wisc.edu/proper-timing-key-when-pruning

Join the UW-Madison Extension Horticulture Program for Ask Your Gardening Question: LIVE, a free online program where you can connect directly with plant health experts from UW. The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, don’t miss this opportunity to connect with horticulture professionals and grow your knowledge.

Register for free at go.wisc.edu/aygq052026

Free Online Gardening Programs Join Wisconsin Horticulture Extension for free online gardening programs — and watch from any device! Our topics are suitable for gardeners of any skill level.