Home Horticulture Course
Cooperative Extension's Home Horticulture Course connects you to science-based information on home gardening and landscaping. It is for personal enrichment and does not lead to becoming a Certified Master Gardener volunteer.
- The courses offered twice per year, with sessions available in the spring (January - May) and fall (July - November).
- Course fees includes a $500 non-refundable tuition payment, along with the cost of ordering the Arizona Master Gardener Manual from the University of Arizona Bookstore.
Join the wait list and get notified as soon as registration opens.
Fall course information
Fall classes start in July and run through November 2026. Classes cover gardening and general horticulture topics and practices so you're prepared to meet gardening challenges specific to your county. You'll also learn about environmentally responsible practices and how to find information from authoritative sources so you can keep growing as a gardener.
A general outline of course topics are listed below. This is subject to change before the start of the course.
- Foundations of Horticulture- Basic Botany, Plant Growth Environments (air, sun, soil, water relationships to plants)
- Landscaping Principles- Basic Landscapes, Landscape Trees, Landscape Plants, Pruning, Irrigation
- Growing Food- Selection, planting, and care of fruit, herbs & vegetables
- Plant Problems- Pests, Diseases and Abiotic Problems, Plant Problem Analysis, and Integrative Pest Management
Online
- Anywhere with an internet connection, usually in the convenience of the home
- Delivered through the University of Arizona Brightspace, an online classroom
- Access to a computer or tablet connected to the internet, and the use of the Zoom platform is required
Weekly time requirements
- 6-8 hours weekly engaging with course readings, videos, activity assignments, and quizzes
- 1-hour weekly group discussion (Tuesday morning and evening options available)
Certificate of completion requirements
- Weekly assignments
- Weekly attendance group discussion on Zoom
- Weekly quizzes
Final exam with at least 70%