COLUMBIA, Mo. – Is becoming an Extension Master Gardener on your list for the New Year – or on the wish list of someone you know? University of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners 2025 training begins Jan. 23 in Boone County.

The program provides trained volunteers to help in public horticulture education, said Debi Kelly, MU Extension Master Gardener coordinator. The course prepares Extension Master Gardener volunteers to answer frequently asked horticulture questions with unbiased, research-based gardening information.

The 15-session course, which runs through April 10, covers everything plants and their environment, soils, pruning, disease management, insects, fruit and vegetable growing, herbaceous ornamentals and residential landscaping, Kelly said.

The training, along with a total of 30 volunteer hours, is required to become a certified Extension Master Gardener.

Lectures are 6-9 p.m. Thursdays at the MU Extension Center in Boone County, 1012 N. Highway UU, Columbia. Hands-on activities are 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 15, and Saturday, April 5, at the MU Jefferson Farm and Garden in Columbia.

“Give the gift of gardening this holiday season,” Kelly said. “The Extension Master Gardeners course makes the perfect gift for someone who has always wanted to learn the ins and outs of gardening and give back to their communities.”

Other timely gardening gifts for the holiday season can include Christmas cacti, poinsettias, amaryllis and new gardening tools, she said.

The course is $200. Register online by Jan. 21, 2025, at https://mizzou.us/BoCoMG.

If you have questions, contact Kelly at kellyd@missouri.edu.