Extension Master Gardener

Garden Talk

Read this monthly newsletter on gardening

The Webster County Master Gardeners were formed in January 2004. The group is composed of residents of Webster County and adjacent counties. It is part of the state-wide volunteer training program conducted by the University of Missouri Extension. The Extension Master Gardener program is designed to help county extension centers and communities meet the demands for consumer horticultural information.

Contact the Webster County office for more information.

Who are Master Gardeners?

Master Gardeners are adults of all ages who love gardening and who are willing to share their horticulture knowledge with their friends and neighbors. Master Gardeners is a nonprofit organization assisted by University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University. Trained volunteers provide the community with current and approved horticulture practices to enhance their home garden, lawn and landscape. Individuals and group projects include horticulture teaching, service activities and the Master Gardener Hotline.

Who can be a Master Gardener?

You can if you:

Have knowledge or experience in gardening or landscape management.
Are willing to learn and provide research-based horticultural information to the public.
Can attend all training sessions.

What do Master Gardeners do?

The primary responsibility of a Master Gardener is to answer questions about home horticulture and to help find environmentally-sound solutions to gardening and landscape problems. University of Missouri Extension specialists and active Master Gardeners are available to help and advise as needed.

Other opportunities include:

Conduct educational seminars through the Master Gardener speakers bureau, which gives educational presentations to groups such as garden clubs, community associations, or school classes
Work in clinics in the community, helping local residents diagnose plant and insect problems
Write articles for newsletters, newspapers, and other publications
Staff exhibits at home and garden shows and fairs
Organize community gardening projects
Develop youth gardening programs
Teach gardening classes
Conduct home horticulture research
Assist in senior gardening programs

Service requirements

Master Gardener interns are required to provide at least 30 service hours during their year following graduation in order to become Master Gardeners. As Master Gardeners, they are required to provide at least 20 service hours annually within their community. There are many opportunities for service depending upon the individual's interest and ability. Individuals completing training and service hours are given special recognition. To remain on active status, members of the local Master Gardeners are required to participate in continuous service activities.

Get involved

Master Gardener classes are generally offered each year, either face-to-face or online. If you are interested in the program, contact MU Extension in Webster County.