ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will offer Master Gardener training at two northwestern Missouri locations along the U.S. 36 corridor, says MU Extension horticulturist Gwen Funk.

Both sessions are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from March 4 to April 17. One course runs noon-2:30 p.m. at the Buchanan County MU Extension Center in St. Joseph. A second is offered 6-8:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Cameron.

The Extension Master Gardener program was established in Missouri in 1983 and provides in-depth horticultural training for Missourians who want to share their knowledge of gardening, Funk says.

The Master Gardener course covers soils, plant nutrition, vegetables, fruits, ornamental woody plants, herbaceous plants, plant propagation, disease and insect control, lawn care, residential landscape, environmental stewardship and safe pest management strategies.

Master Gardener volunteers assist MU Extension by using unbiased, research-based information to educate, answer frequently asked gardening questions, teach through demonstration gardens, donate produce, present as speakers bureaus and share information, Funk says.

To become an Extension Master Gardener, individuals must attend a 36-hour training and provide 30 hours of volunteer service in their community.

Registration deadline is March 4. Register for the Cameron session at http://muext.us/2025CameronMG. Register for the session in St. Joseph at http://muext.us/2025StJosephMG.

For more information, contact MU Extension horticulturists Gwen Funk (660-446-2724 or gfunk@missouri.edu) or Todd Higgins (816-407-3490 or trhiggins@missouri.edu).