Extension Master Gardener Course: Jackson & Clay Counties (Kansas City)

Location

Virtual Event

Date

August 5, 2026 at 9:30 AM - December 9, 2026 at 12:30 PM

Pricing
A registration fee is required for all participants.

About

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 30-hour training course AND provide 30 hours of volunteer service back to their community. This course includes presentations, assessments, a project, and group work. Access to a computer and a good internet connection is required. Attendance at all sessions is required. In-person field sessions will also be available.

  • Cost: $200 for the comprehensive 16-week training
  • Contact Information: Dr. Tamra Reall
  • Location: Online (live, synchronous) with in-person field sessions (dates TBA)
  • Dates: Wednesdays, August 5 – December 9, 2026
  • Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Course sessions include:

  • Plants and Their Environment
  • Soils, Plant Nutrition and Nutrient Management
  • Plant Diseases and Disorders
  • Insects, Pollinators, and Integrated Pest Management
  • Plant Propagation
  • Vegetable Gardening
  • Fruit Gardening
  • Herbaceous Plants
  • Establishment and Care of Woody Ornamental Plants
  • Pruning Ornamental Plants
  • Turf and Lawn Maintenance
  • Residential Landscaping
  • Using Pesticides Safely in the Home and Garden

When you complete the program, you'll join MGGKC, our chapter that volunteers on community gardens, children's programs, video creation, Speakers Bureau, and the MGGKC Gardening Hotline, and more, helping Kansas City area residents become better gardeners.

Sessions

Aug. 5, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM CDT Session 1 - Meet and Greet (optional)

Aug. 12, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT Session 2 - Trainee orientation

    Review core manual, policies and procedures, and introduction to class projects.

Aug. 19, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT Session 3- Introduction to Soils

Aug. 26, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT Session 4- Plants & Their Environment

Sept. 2, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT Session 5- Wood Ornamentals and Pruning Trees & Shrubs

Sept. 9, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT Session 6- Herbaceous Ornamentals

Sept. 16, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT Session 7- Insects and Environmental Stewardship

Sept. 23, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT Session 8- Integrated Pest and Beneficial Management (IPM)

Sept. 30, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT Session 9- Plant Health and Diseases

Oct. 7, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT Session 10- Home Fruit Production

Oct. 14, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT Session 11- Home Lawn Care

Oct. 21, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT Session 12- Vegetable Gardening and Organic Gardening

Oct. 28, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT Session 13- Landscape Design

Nov. 4, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CST Session 14- Plant Propagation

Nov. 18, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CST Session 15- Class Project Presentations

Dec. 2, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CST Session 16- Hotline Simulation

Dec. 9, 2026

  • 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CST Session 17 - Graduation & Celebration