Closeup of lilies

Master gardeners are trained volunteers with gardening backgrounds ranging from hobbyist to professional, from beginner to experienced and from young adult to senior citizen. The common bond is a love of gardening, learning and sharing.

After training, master gardeners serve as a resource with University of Missouri Extension to give county residents research-based answers to their gardening questions. Voluntarism is at the heart of the master gardener program, but members rate camaraderie and learning opportunities as important reasons for participating.

Master Gardeners complete 30 hours of volunteer service following their initial training, working on approved projects in the community. Subsequent years require master gardeners to complete 20 hours of volunteer service.

Lincoln County Master Gardeners meet at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the Lincoln County Extension Center. Call 636-462-5782 for more information on how to become a Master Gardener.

Completing core training is the first step toward becoming a master gardener. Taught by MU Extension personnel and certified master gardeners, training topics include:

  • Missouri Master Gardener program policies and procedures
  • Plants and their environment
  • Plant propagation
  • Soils, plant nutrition and nutrient management
  • Vegetable gardening
  • Fruit production
  • Establishment and care of woody ornamentals
  • Pruning ornamental trees and shrubs
  • Establishment and care of herbaceous ornamentals
  • Managing lawns and turfgrass
  • Residential landscaping
  • Insects
  • Preventing and managing plant diseases
  • Using pesticides safely in the home and garden

Plants for sale on a table in the sunshine

Thanks to all who came out to make this year's plant sale a huge success!

We plan to use the funds to provide a college scholarship and educate the public through our demonstration gardens at the Lincoln County Health Department, the county courthouse and other local projects.

Kim Robinson presenting a plaque to scholarship winner Caleb Hudson

Lincoln County Master Gardener member Kim Robinson was proud to present the recipient of the fifth annual $500 scholarship to Caleb Hudson at Silex High School’s Senior Awards Night.

Caleb’s many academic accomplishments, his active FFA involvement with several impressive local and state awards, his extensive 4-H participation and numerous officer positions as well as his genuine enthusiasm and passion for agriculture made him an outstanding candidate for the scholarship. He plans to attend the University of Missouri in Columbia and major in plant science. Master gardeners are excited to “plant the seed” for Caleb to “grow” his dreams toward a successful career in plant science. Congratulations!

Master Gardeners are available to give presentations to schools, clubs and organizations in the area for a speaker fee of $25. Call 636-462-5782 to schedule a speaker.

Master gardeners gardening

Get in-depth horticultural training and join the Master Gardeners in “helping others learn to grow.”

Missouri map with a dogwood flower overlaid on it

Missouri Master Gardeners, use this online system to report your volunteer hours.

garden journal on table with gloves

Put your plans, thoughts and results on paper to help ensure successful gardening.