The Extension Master Gardener program was established in Missouri in 1983 and provides in-depth horticultural training for Missourians who wish to share their knowledge of gardening. The mission of the University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener program is to support MU Extension by providing trained volunteers to assist in public horticulture education.
This course prepares Extension Master Gardeners in topics related to soils, plant nutrition, vegetables, fruits, ornamental woody plants, herbaceous plants, plant propagation, disease and insect control, lawn care, residential landscape, environmental stewardship, and safe use of pest management strategies.
Extension Master Gardener volunteers assist MU Extension by utilizing unbiased research-based information to educate, answer frequently asked gardening questions, teach through demonstration gardens, donate produce, present as speakers' bureaus, and share information.
To become trained as an Extension Master Gardener, an individual must attend a 30-hour training course and provide 30 hours of volunteer service back to their community.
- Cost: $200
Sessions include:
- Plants and Their Environment
- Soils, Plant Nutrition and Nutrient Management
- Plant Diseases and Disorders
- Insects, Pollinators, and Integrated Pest Management
- Plant Propagation
- Vegetable Gardening
- Fruit Gardening
- Herbaceous Plants
- Establishment and Care of Woody Ornamental Plants
- Pruning Ornamental Plants
- Turf and Lawn Maintenance
- Residential Landscaping
This training is an in-person course held every Monday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, beginning August 10, 2026, and continuing through November 9, 2026, at Lake Ozark Fire Station (1767 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049). For more information, please contact Miller County MU Extension Center at (573) 369-2394.