Learn the science behind gardening through MSU Extension’s Foundations of Gardening course
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EmailFoundations of Gardening is a 10-week online course packed full of information to help you grow a healthier and more sustainable garden. Learn how to be a great gardener from Michigan State University Extension experts.
Learn the science behind great gardens with the Foundations of Gardening course from Michigan State University (MSU) Extension. Classes run twice a year in the winter and fall. Live sessions take place once a week for the duration of the class. The online format enables you to participate from home with a variety of learning materials, including videos, readings and webinars.
Foundations of Gardening is designed for the gardening enthusiast who wants to understand how to create beautiful, productive and sustainable gardens for personal use, a business or a community. It is also the first step needed to apply to become an MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.
This course reveals the science behind growing your best garden ever. Learn how to create healthy soils and plants, manage diseases and pests, attract pollinators and so much more. Units include plant science, soils, propagation, entomology, plant diseases and pests, lawncare, growing flowers, trees and shrubs, fruits and vegetables and environmental gardening. Weekly units are comprised of readings, online activities, videos and a 2.5-hour live virtual lecture with MSU horticulture experts. It is well suited for beginners and experienced gardeners who want to learn more in-depth science behind gardening. If you are not sure whether it is right for you, reach out to us at MSUE.FOG@msu.edu for more information.
The course costs $350. A printed manual of the readings is available for an additional cost. Information regarding ordering will be provided closer to the start of class.
Scholarships are available each session. To apply, go to Foundations of Gardening – Scholarships during the application period and fill in the online application. Applications for the fall session will be open May 20 – June 17, 2026.
Here's what some of our students had to say about their Foundations of Gardening experience:
“Thorough course with great content. There is a lot of material but it is presented in a way to allow for continued learning through ongoing reference to the material.”
“It is obvious to me that the instructors are very committed to providing a high-quality learning experience.”
“I absolutely loved the enthusiasm you all showed for your chosen profession in the weekly live sessions and the way you made me love it too, more than I already do!”
“I truly enjoyed the class and it has made me realize that this is a life-long adventure in gardening that will take more study and experience to really master the concepts presented in each session. The weekly live sessions were done very well and each presenter was truly excited about their expertise and willing to share. I would highly recommend this class to anyone that enjoys working with plants and landscaping.”
“I enjoyed the course a great deal. I now have the knowledge base and information resources necessary to improve my gardening skills. Thank you! Well done!”
Is this the course I take if I want to apply to the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program®?
Yes! Foundations of Gardening is the pre-requisite course for those wanting to apply to become an MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. Students need to successfully complete all unit learning materials and achieve an 80% or better score on all unit post-assessments and the final exam. Students who finish the course with a satisfactory score will earn a certificate of completion and are eligible to apply to the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program®.
What if I do not want to apply to be an MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer?
That is OK! You may wish to take the course without the desire to become an MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. Many people take the course as an asset to their jobs or to better understand their own landscapes or hobby farms. This course will help you understand what goes into creating a healthier garden, what is best for the environment, and how to source reliable information. With numerous online resources that can be downloaded for future use, you will have resources available even after the course ends. This includes the readings and links but does not include the weekly lectures.
Join the MSU Extension consumer horticulture team and learn what MSU Extension has to offer by signing up for Foundations of Gardening.
For additional questions about this course, email us at MSUE.FOG@msu.edu.
