Become a Master Gardener
Who are Master Gardeners?
Master Gardeners are adults of all ages who love gardening and who have previous gardening experience. Master Gardeners are members of the local community who are interested in lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, gardens, and the environment.
Why become a Master Gardener Volunteer?
The Master Gardener Volunteer program is an opportunity for individuals with or without gardening skills, to learn and to share knowledge with others. Each person entering the program agrees to a time commitment to the Master Gardener Program. This “payback” consists of at least 30 hours of approved activities the first year and 20 hours each year following to maintain the Master Gardener status.
A Horticulture Program For the Active Volunteer
The mission of the Missouri Master Gardener program is: “Helping Others Learn to Grow”. As part of the outreach efforts of University of Missouri Extension, Master Gardeners involve people in improving the quality of life, and enhancing the economy and environment through horticulture education, applied research, and the resources of the University of Missouri and Lincoln University.
Grow with us
Like plants need sun to grow, Master Gardeners need enthusiastic volunteers to thrive. Each year the group recruits new members who are committed to volunteering their time. That is why an interest in community service is just as important as any gardening expertise. Master Gardeners receive 30 hours of classroom training and, in return, each new member pledges to contribute 30 hours of community service during the first year of involvement. As a benefit for continued service, Master Gardeners may take advantage of advance horticultural training and attend most educational programs free of charge.
Join the Master Gardeners of the Ozarks
Volunteer Program
The Master Gardeners pay back their education by volunteering in their community. The volunteer aspect of the program is the heart of the community outreach effort. As representatives of University of Missouri Extension, volunteers may engage in a variety of interesting education activities that benefit the community as well as individuals and their families. Master Gardeners develop their gardening and community potential as their efforts help others in the community.
Volunteer Activities
Community projects may include:
- Horticulture Teaching
- Giving presentations to garden clubs and organized groups
- Scheduled seminars
- Demonstrations
- Service Activities
- Plan community projects
- Conduct library programs
- participate in special events
- Master Gardener Hotline/Website Forum
- Answer individual home horticulture questions
- Provide individuals with approved Extension resource materials
Training
Master Gardener candidates receive about 30 hours of horticulture training taught by University Extension Specialists. Here are examples of the type of courses that can be offered:
- Orientation
- Trees and Shrubs
- Landscaping
- Plant Growth and Development
- Diseases / Pesticides
- Soils
- Insects
- Vegetable Gardening
- Flower Gardening
- Fruits
- Turfgrass
The course fee covers ten classes periods, a notebook and travel costs for class instructors. Contact your Extension Center for details on when the next class will be offered in your area.
