By Blake Jackson
Registration is now open for the fall online University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener course, which runs for 15 weeks from August 10 through December.
Gardening offers many rewards, says MU Extension horticulture specialist Debi Kelly. One of those rewards is “the satisfaction of sharing your plant knowledge with others,” Kelly said.
The Extension Master Gardener program provides comprehensive horticultural training to individuals who, in turn, help others learn about gardening and the environment.
Kelly highlights the program’s focus: “The program’s motto, ‘helping others learn to grow,’ emphasizes service to others as the program’s main objective.”
Participants will gain a solid understanding of the program’s mission along with foundational gardening knowledge. The course covers plant structure and function, soil health and nutrition, plant propagation, fruits and vegetables, herbaceous and woody plants, entomology, plant diseases, landscape design, lawns, and pesticide use.
Completing the core training is the first step toward becoming a certified Extension Master Gardener. Following the course, participants must complete at least 30 hours of volunteer service. Local coordinators assist online learners in finding volunteer opportunities that satisfy this requirement.
Since the program began in 2013, more than 3,000 people have completed the MU Extension online Master Gardener training. Similar programs exist in every U.S. state and most Canadian provinces.
Included in the registration fee is a copy of the Missouri Master Gardener Core Manual. The course is taught by Kelly, Sarah Denkler-MU Extension regional director for southeastern Missouri and horticulturist David Trinklein.
Interested individuals can register online or contact Kelly at kellyd@missouri.edu with any questions.
Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: Missouri, General