The Extension Master Gardener program was established in Missouri in 1983 and provides in-depth horticultural training for Missourians who wish to share their knowledge of gardening. The mission of the University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener program is to support MU Extension by providing trained volunteers to assist in public horticulture education.

This course prepares Extension Master Gardeners in topics related to soils, plant nutrition, vegetables, fruits, ornamental woody plants, herbaceous plants, plant propagation, disease and insect control, lawn care, residential landscape, environmental stewardship, and safe use of pest management strategies.

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

To become trained as an Extension Master Gardener, an individual must attend a 36-hour training and provide 30 hours of volunteer service back to their community.  

Cost: $200  

Partial scholarships are available for Perry County residents through the Perry County Master Gardener Chapter. For more information on scholarships and the criteria, reach out to Maxine Lohmann at 573-517-3677.

Contact: Donna Aufdenberg, 573-243-3581, aufdenbergd@missouri.edu  

Session dates: Six Fridays covering 12 topics from January 24 to February 28, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a light lunch provided.