The mission of the University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener volunteer program is to provide horticultural information and education to the gardening public based on proven research specific to the local climate, soils, and plants.

Find more information at MGGKC.org

The Master Gardeners will answer messages left on voice mail as well as emails sent from the website in a timely manner. The public is asked to leave a message so a Master Gardener can return the call if no one answers in person. People may also email a question to mggkc.hotline@gmail.com.

Any resident with an interest in gardening, novice or expert, may take the Master Gardener Core Course. All you have to do is follow these steps:

1. Apply to attend training in a location near you.
2. Submit and pass the background check.
3. Complete the Extension Master Gardener core training.
   • 30 hours of plant education offered in the spring and fall. Courses are taught by University of Missouri faculty, local experts & MU Extension educators. Topics include: vegetables, compost and soil, flowers, fruits, turf grass, landscape design, woody landscape plants, plant propagation, integrated pest management, plant diseases and insects.
4. Volunteer in your community.
   • Complete the 30-hour internship by December 31 of the following year. Volunteer on projects and at events to teach plants in the community.
5. Stay involved.
   • Master Gardeners can remain active members in following years by attending six or more hours of continuing education and contributing 20 hours or more of volunteer community service.
   • Report your volunteer and continuing education hours online by December 31st of each year.

Master Gardeners moving from other states are evaluated on a case-by-case basis through discussion with the individual, local coordinator, and State Coordinator.

At the heart of the Missouri Master Gardener program is our volunteers. Volunteers assist the University of Missouri Extension Service personnel to extend the educational arm of the university to the public by providing horticultural information based on university research and recommendations.

In other words, the Missouri Master Gardener program is a place for volunteers to have a fun, educational experience while serving the community in which they live while doing what they love.