Online Master Gardener training begins Jan. 15

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Gardening is an activity with many rewards, says David Trinklein, state horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension.

In a press release, Trinklein said, “One of them is the satisfaction of sharing your plant knowledge with others. The Master Gardener program was initiated to do just that. Its motto-helping others learn to grow-emphasizes service to others as the program’s main objective.”

A new session of online Missouri Master Gardener core training begins Jan. 15, 2023. Trinklein and MU Extension horticulture specialist Sarah Denkler teach the 14 online classes.

“These classes represent a viable option for people who can’t take the weekly classes in person,” Trinklein said.

Classes are delivered through the Canvas learning management system as a series of scripted and narrated presentations. Students work at their own pace. A composite score of 70 percent on chapter quizzes is needed to pass the course.

Topics include basic botany, soils and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening, fruit production, insects and diseases, and pesticide safety.

Subjects covered include basic botany, soils and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening, fruit production, insects and diseases, landscaping, turf management and pesticide safety.

Core training is the first step toward certification as an MU Extension Master Gardener. Trainees must also complete at least 30 hours of volunteer service, Trinklein said. Local Master Gardener coordinators can help online trainees find volunteer opportunities to meet the service hour requirements.

“There are Master Gardener programs in every state of the union and in most provinces of Canada,” Trinklein said.

Registration for the spring 2023 online session closes Jan. 14.

For details and registration, go to mg.missouri.edu.