Online Master Gardener training on tap

November 30, 2020 at 6:05 a.m. | Updated November 30, 2020 at 11:49 a.m.

After the seedlings outrow their original container, it's then time to transfer to a larger container. When they are removed from their original container, they aren't much larger than a thumb but will much larger after the roots have space to branch out. The Central Missouri Master Gardeners have been hard at work in their north Jefferson City Greenhouse preparing for this Spring's annual plant sale.
After the seedlings outrow their original container, it's then time to transfer to a larger container. When they are removed from their original container, they aren't much larger than a thumb but will much larger after the roots have space to branch out. The Central Missouri Master Gardeners have been hard at work in their north Jefferson City Greenhouse preparing for this Spring's annual plant sale.

Registration has opened for online Master Gardener training. The next 14-week session begins Jan. 17.

"While not meant to replace in-person training, which still is conducted in many Missouri counties, online classes represent another way to go through the core training required of all MU Extension Master Gardeners," said David Trinklein, a University of Missouri Extension state horticulture specialist who teaches the course with MU Extension horticulture specialist Sarah Denkler.

"Students work at their own pace within the confines of a course schedule," Trinklein added in an MU Extension news release.

Classes are delivered as a series of scripted and narrated video presentations. Topics include basic botany, soils and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening, fruit production, landscape design, woody ornamental plants, herbaceous ornamental plants, turf management, insect and disease management, and pesticide safety.

Those who successfully complete the core training and perform at least 30 hours of volunteer service qualify for MU Extension Master Gardener certification. Local Master Gardener coordinators help online trainees find volunteer opportunities to meet the service requirements.

"The MU Extension Master Gardener program was initiated to help others learn to grow and emphasizes service to others as the program's main objective," Trinklein said.

The registration deadline for the spring online session is Jan. 10. For details and registration, visit mg.missouri.edu.

Upcoming Events