BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension and the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program offer a free basic gardening class in the greater Kansas City area.

MU Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall said the Extension Garden Steward program gives prospective gardeners the basics of gardening in a five-week evening class. The program is free for residents in Jackson, Clay and Platte counties.

MU Extension faculty, Missouri Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists, and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will facilitate the class. Reall said volunteers ages 55-plus also are sought, no experience necessary. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Reall or Damian Fluharty, MU Extension horticulture volunteer program associate, or go to http://muext.us/MGASV.

The class teaches the basics of choosing a garden site, three-season vegetable gardening and food safety, ornamental gardening, insects and integrated pest management, and pollinator habitat and environmental stewardship. Reall said about 200 people have completed the class since MU Extension began offering it in 2020.

The program kicks off the spring gardening season with a boot camp in Blue Springs at South Public Library, 2220 S. Highway 7, Blue Springs. Weekly sessions are 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, March 19-April 16.

In addition to educational presentations, instructors will suggest activities to improve the gardening experience and encourage environmental stewardship in the garden.

Register at https://bit.ly/4hV40gv.