Cooper County
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Who are Master Gardeners?
Master Gardeners are adults of all ages who love gardening
and who have previous gardening experience. They are members of the local community who
are interested in lawns, tree, shrubs, flowers, gardens, and the environment.
Who can be a Master Gardener?
You can if you: Have knowledge or experience in gardening or landscape management Are willing to learn and provide research-based horticultural information to the public Can attend all training sessions Can volunteer at least 30 hours to educational horticulture programs through you local University Extension Center
What kind of training do Master Gardeners receive?
If you are selected for the Master Gardener program, you will take between 30 and 45 hours of classroom horticultural training. Classes are taught by state and regional University Extension specialists, Advanced Master Gardeners, and other horticultural experts. You will learn about plant growth, insect and disease control, vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees, shrubs, soils, and environmental issues. The learning continues during a volunteer internship approximately equal in time to the hours of classroom instruction received. Upon completion of the internship you will be a certified University Extension Master Gardener.
If you wish to continue as an active Master Gardener, you can do so by taking additional classes and volunteering at least 20 hours of horticultural educational services through your local University Extension Center.
How much does the training cost?
A minimal course materials fee is charged for participation. The total fee may vary from site to site, but the base fee is currently $130. Your volunteer time as an intern is considered partial payment for the training received. See more information at bottom of page.
What do Master Gardeners do?
The primary responsibility of Master Gardener trainees is
to answer question from area residents about home horticulture, and to help 
them find
environmentally sound solutions to gardening and landscape problems. Extension specialists
and Advanced Master Gardeners are available to help and advise as needed.
Other opportunities include: Master Gardener speaker bureau, giving educational presentations to groups, such as garden clubs, community associations, or school classes Work in clinics in the community, helping local residents diagnose plant and insect problems Write articles for newsletters, newspapers and other publications Staff exhibits at home and garden shows and fairs Organize community gardening projects Develop youth gardening programs Teach gardening classes Conduct home horticulture research Assist in senior gardening programs
There are numerous other activities in which to participate, and volunteers may initiate their own projects.
How can I become a Master Gardener?
Call your local University Extension Center to see if there is a class near your home. Classes are offered periodically, in the fall, winter, and spring. Applications are accepted until shortly before classes begin. Information and applications can be obtained by writing to:
Missouri Master Gardener Program
Department of Horticulture
University of Missouri
l-87 Agriculture Building
Columbia, MO 65211
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University of Missouri Extension Cooper County cooperco@missouri.edu |
University of Missouri Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or status as a Vietnam-era veteran in employment or programs.