Home Horticulture Course
The Home Horticulture Course brings science-based information on home gardening and landscaping to the public. This course is for personal enrichment and does not lead to becoming a Master Gardener volunteer.
Fall 2025 Home Horticulture Course Register Here
EXTENDED DEADLINE Registration closes 11:59 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025.
If you are interested in becoming a Maricopa County Master Gardener volunteer instead, please visit https://extension.arizona.edu/programs/maricopa-county-master-gardeners/join for more information.
Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Home Horticulture Courses are offered twice a year
- Spring session: January – May
- Fall Session: July – November
Tuition: $375.00 non-refundable.
Course Materials: Additional $55 (plus shipping and tax) to purchase AZ Master Gardener Manual ordered through University of Arizona Bookstore. Order online here.
Fall 2025 Course
July 11, 2025-November 13, 2025
Online
- anywhere with an internet connection, usually in the convenience of the home
- delivered through University of Arizona Desire 2 Learn (D2L), an online classroom
- access to computer or tablet connected to the internet, and use of the Zoom platform are required
This Course Provides
- Arizona Master Gardener manual and online lecture series used during training of Master Gardener volunteers.
- Gardening and general horticulture topics and practices to prepare graduates to meet gardening challenges specific to the desert environment of Maricopa County.
- Information on environmentally responsible gardening and landscaping practices.
- Training for finding the most authoritative sources to answer questions about gardening and landscape topics.
Weekly Time Requirements
- 5-7 hours weekly engaging with course readings, videos, activity assignments, and quizzes
- 1-hour weekly group discussion Thursdays 6:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m. via Zoom
Certificate of Completion Requirements
- Weekly assignments
- Weekly quizzes
- Final exam with at least 70%
For further information about the Home Horticulture training course, see our Frequently Asked Question doc.
Course Outline
Week 1: Orientation, Practice Week
Week 2: Botany – Part 1
Week 3: Botany – Part 2
Week 4: Soil, Water & Plant Relationships
Week 5: Soil, Fertilizer & Composting
Week 6: Vegetable Gardening
Week 7: Irrigation
Week 8: Entomology
Week 9: Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Week 10: Plant Problem Diagnosis
Week 11: Plant Selection, Planting and Care
Week 12: Landscape Design
Week 13: Turf and Weed Management
Week 14: Pruning Tree and Shrubs
Week 15: Citrus
Week 16: Cacti & Succulents
Week 17: Wrap up, Final
We look forward to seeing you!
Contact Program Coordinator: MCCE-MasterGardenerProgram@arizona.edu
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as sign language interpreter, by contacting the Master Gardener Program Coordinator, 602-827-8211. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.