ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener training for residents of Buchanan County begins Aug. 12.

“The Extension Master Gardener training will help you to gain new horticulture knowledge and become a community resource for science-based information,” says MU Extension horticulturist Gwen Funk. “The training covers the benefits of gardening and provides opportunities to connect with fellow gardeners.”

The training includes 30 hours of in-person training at the MU Extension Center in Buchanan County, 4125 Mitchell St., St. Joseph. After completion of the online portion, participants are required to complete 30 hours of approved Master Gardener projects.

Topics include plants and their environments, plant health and diseases, annual and perennial ornamentals, landscape design, introduction to soils, home lawn care, home fruit production, vegetable gardening, woody ornamentals, pruning ornamentals, plant propagation, integrated pest management and environmental stewardship.

Classes are 6-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Aug. 12 to Dec. 2. Register at https://mizzou.us/StJoeMG2024. A limited number of scholarships are available.

For more information, call MU Extension in Buchanan County at 816-279-1691 or email Funk at gfunk@missouri.edu.