News Summary
The MSU Extension is accepting registrations for its Foundations of Gardening course, aimed at enhancing gardening skills. This 10-week online course prepares participants for potential volunteer opportunities in the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program. Interested individuals can sign up through the specified deadline, with no obligations beyond course completion. Additionally, the MSU Student Horticulture Association is hosting its annual plant show and sale, further encouraging community interest in gardening.
East Lansing, Michigan – The MSU Extension has officially opened registration for its Foundations of Gardening (FOG) course for Fall 2025. Interested individuals can sign up now through August 27, 2025, for this comprehensive online horticulture course aimed at those looking to enhance their gardening skills or apply for the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program®.
The FOG course runs for 10 weeks and is tailored for adults keen on learning the scientific principles behind effective gardening practices. Completing the course is the initial step toward becoming a volunteer in the highly regarded MSU Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program. Participants who wish to pursue the volunteer opportunity can apply for the EMG program once they receive their FOG certificate. However, those who complete the course without an intention to volunteer have no further obligations.
It is important to note that while finishing the FOG course awards a certificate, it does not automatically grant acceptance into the MSU EMG program. Application timelines for the EMG program may differ by county, necessitating potential participants to check specific timelines relevant to their locations.
For more details regarding the course structure, participants can consult the Course Info page. Additionally, the MSU Extension provides year-round gardening resources on its Gardening in Michigan resource page, featuring a variety of articles, classes, and events aimed at enhancing gardening knowledge and skills.
For immediate gardening questions or concerns, a dedicated gardening hotline is available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon Eastern time, reachable at 1-888-678-3464.
Upcoming Plant Show and Sale
In addition to the FOG course, the MSU Student Horticulture Association (SHA) is gearing up for its 37th annual plant show and sale, themed “The Wizard of Oz.” This event will take place at the MSU Horticulture Gardens Conservatory and will feature over 5,000 plants for sale, making it a vibrant display of horticultural talent.
The plant sale is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry to the plant show is free, although attendees who wish to purchase plants will need to pay for their selections. No prior registration is required to attend the event.
Organizing this plant sale is a year-long effort, with SHA members dedicating considerable time and resources to ensure a successful outcome. Various committees, including those focused on marketing, design, and construction, contribute to the smooth operation and overall success of the event.
Proceeds from the plant sale serve multiple purposes, including funding networking events for students, supporting attendance at the National Collegiate Landscape competition, and contributing to scholarship funds for horticulture students.
Conclusion
As interest in gardening continues to grow, the MSU Extension’s Foundations of Gardening course offers a valuable opportunity for individuals to enhance their skills while providing a pathway to volunteerism in the MSU Extension Master Gardener program. Coupled with events like the SHA plant sale, these initiatives not only promote gardening knowledge and community engagement but also foster a supportive environment for aspiring horticulturists.
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Additional Resources
- Soo Leader: Registration Now Open for Fall 2025 Foundations of Gardening Course
- Upper Michigan’s Source: Michigan State University Extension Offers Gardening Resources
- The State News: MSU Student Horticulture Association Prepares for Upcoming Plant Show and Sale
- Detroit Free Press: Michigan Garden Guide for Planting Flowers
- Greenhouse Grower: Standout Varieties Featured in the 2024 Michigan Garden Plant Tour
- Wikipedia: Gardening
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gardening
- Google Search: Gardening Resources
- Google Scholar: Gardening Techniques
- Google News: Gardening News
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
