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
- Coordinator, Jennifer Schutter
- Adair County MU Extension
- Email: schutterjl@missouri.edu
- Phone: 660-665-9866
Course sessions will be held from 9:30-12:30 on the following dates:
- February 23: Orientation and Policies and Procedures
- March 2: Plants and Their Environment
- March 9: Fruit Gardening and Pruning
- March 16: Soils, Plant Nutrition, Nutrient Management and Pesticide Safety
- March 23: Plant Propagation
- March 30: Vegetable Gardening
- April 6: Establishment and Care of Woody Ornamental Plants
- April 13: Insects, Pollinators, and Integrated Pest Management
- April 20: Turf and Lawn Maintenance
- April 27: Plant Diseases and Disorders
- May 4: Herbaceous Plants
- May 11: Residential Landscaping
Lab Sessions will be held from 10 am until 12 pm on the following dates:
April 23-garden tour and/or hands-on demonstration or project
April 30-garden tour and/or hands-on demonstration or project
May 7-garden tour and/or hands-on demonstration or project