Beginning Vegetable Gardening Series

Beginning Vegetable Gardening for Everyone!

This free course is for anyone who wants to grow vegetables, whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your skills. We’ll cover the basics of vegetable gardening over four sessions, using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) framework to manage pests and grow healthy plants.
Each session builds on the previous one, but you can also drop in for individual sessions that interest you. Classes are 1.5 hours and open to anyone. No registration fee and nothing to bring—just come ready to learn!
In-Person Sessions
MCPL-Wausau
Thursdays, April 9-30
1:30-3:00 PM and 5:30-7:00 PM
Virtual Sessions
Mondays, April 6-29
10:30AM-Noon

Presented by Marathon County Extension in collaboration with City of Wausau Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Committee (SEEC) and MCPL-Wausau.

Plan Your Garden: Choosing Crops and Mapping Success

Join us for a practical and engaging class on planning a successful vegetable garden. We will explore how to choose crops suited for Wisconsin, create a garden plan, and schedule planting for the best results. Learn how crop rotation and succession planting can reduce pests, improve soil health, and keep your garden productive all season long.

Virtual Session
Monday April 6, 10:30AM-Noon
Free Registration

In Person Sessions
Thursday April 9, 1:30-3PM and 5:30-7PM
Free Registration

Strong Starts: Soil, Seeds, and Transplants

Healthy soil and smart planting go hand in hand. In this interactive class, you will learn what makes soil thrive, why organic matter matters, and how pH affects nutrient availability. We will explore the role of key nutrients in plant growth and discuss practical ways to start seeds and use transplants successfully, including the pros and cons of each approach.

Virtual Session
Monday, April 13, 10:30AM-Noon
Free Registration

In Person Sessions
Thursday April 16, 1:30-3PM and 5:30-7PM
Free Registration

Insects and IPM: Building a Balanced Garden

Take the mystery out of insect management with a practical introduction to Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In this interactive class, you will learn the components of the IPM framework and how to apply them in your garden. We will explore insect life cycles, common damage types, and how to distinguish beneficial insects from pests. You will also review when chemical options make sense and why reading pesticide labels matters. By the end, you will have strategies to manage insects thoughtfully and keep your garden ecosystem healthy.

Virtual Session
Monday April 20, 10:30AM-Noon
Free Registration

In Person Sessions
Thursday April 23, 1:30-3PM and 5:30-7PM
Free Registration

Tackling Weeds and Diseases: Smart Solutions for Garden Health

Weeds and diseases can challenge even experienced gardeners, but understanding their biology makes management easier. In this session, you will learn how to recognize weed characteristics and invasive plants, and apply cultural and mechanical control methods effectively. We will also cover the causes and conditions that lead to plant diseases, how to differentiate signs from symptoms, and the role of water in disease development. Finally, we will compare herbicide types and timing for safe, effective use. This class equips you with practical tools to protect your garden and maintain resilience throughout the season.

Virtual Session
Monday April 27, 10:30AM-Noon
Free Registration

In Person Sessions
Thursday April 30, 1:30-3PM and 5:30-7PM
Free Registration

Questions?

Reach out to Marathon County Extension Horticulture Educator, Janell Wehr with any questions at 715.261.1241 or janell.wehr@wisc.edu .