Course Info

Foundations of Gardening (FOG) is a comprehensive 10-week online MSU Extension course. This course is designed for any adult who wants to learn the science behind great gardening and is also the prerequisite to apply to the  MSU Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Volunteer Program. People who wish to apply to the MSU EMG volunteer program can continue the application process once they have earned their FOG certificate. Those who do not want to become an EMG have no further obligations. Receiving a FOG certificate does not guarantee an individual will become an MSU EMG and the timing of volunteer application steps may vary by county.

Learn more: Foundations of Gardening Course Syllabus 

If you are interested in applying to the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program after enrolling in this course, click here for more details. A FOG certificate can be used to apply to the MSU EMG Volunteer Program for up to three years after receiving the certificate.

Inquiries about the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program: MSUE.MG@msu.edu

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Please indicate any accessibility requests by emailing MSUE.FOG@msu.edu. 

Foundations of Gardening Course Content

 

10 Self-Paced Units
(One per week)

Ten units composed of readings, videos, activities, and website explorations. Learning materials are completed prior to attending the live virtual class each week.

10 Live Virtual Class Sessions
(One per week)

Each week a 2.5-hour webinar is taught by MSU experts in the field. Lectures reinforce and expand on content and include polls, demonstrations, and a Q&A session.

 

Assessments and Certification

Weekly assessments are used to track knowledge gains. Those who achieve a score of 80% or higher on all unit post-assessments and the final exam earn a Certificate of Completion.

 

Social Opportunities

A virtual social discussion board provides opportunities to connect with others taking the course.

 

Downloadable Resources

The contents of this course are entirely online. All readings and many resources can be downloaded for use during and after the course.

 

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).