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, Donna Aufdenberg
- Perry County MU Extension
- Email: aufdenbergd@missouri.edu
- Phone: 573-243-3581
Course sessions will be on Friday mornings from January 29, 2027 to April 23, 20267 from 9:00 a.m.- Noon at the Perry County Extension Office located at 321 N. Main St. Suite 1, Perryville, MO.