About Jasper County Master Gardeners

What is the Master Gardener program?
It’s our understanding that Dr. Dave Gibby, a county agent in the state of Washington began the program in 1972 when he was inundated with horticultural questions. By giving a group of people extensive, in-depth training, a horticulture helpline could be established to assist him in providing up-to-date, research based solutions to horticultural problems.

The concept has grown from that small beginning to the point that more than 35,000 people have become certified in all 50 states and 5 provinces of Canada. It’s not known exactly when the program began in Missouri, but probably originated in Kansas City or St. Louis. The class was first initiated in Springfield, Missouri in 1984. Jasper County’s first class began in 1992. Currently, 318 people have participated in the class here.

What are the certification requirements?
Requirements for certification vary from one location to another. In Missouri’s Southwest Extension Region, a participant must receive 30 hours of classroom instruction and agree to volunteer 30 hours back to their community.

How do I maintain my certification?
A participant must complete 20 hours of volunteer service and six hours of continuing education yearly. The volunteer service has taken on many forms. Several have participated in community garden projects. Some have given programs to various school groups, gardening clubs and residential care units. Others have provided assistance with a helpline in the University of Missouri Extension Center during the summer months.

Is there a fee?
A fee is charged to cover the cost of a "Grounds for Gardening" handbook, handouts and other expenses. Other arrangements can be made if a participant does not wish to work the volunteer hours.

What can I expect from the class?
The annual course generally consists of ten, three-hour sessions over an approximate six week period. Topics usually covered include an orientation to the Master Gardener program, soils and plant nutrition, annuals and perennials, fruit crops for home production, insects, woody ornamentals, lawns and turf, vegetable production, diagnosing plant problems, and trees in the landscape

How do I sign up?
If you enjoy gardening, want to learn more about horticulture, and enjoy teaching others what you know and learn, you’re probably a prime candidate to become a Master Gardener. Contact University of Missouri Extension, Courthouse Basement, Carthage, MO 64836, (417) 358-2158 for more information or an application form. If you have email, send a message to jasperco@missouri.edu stating your interest or request for information.


		University of Missouri Extension Jasper County jasperco@missouri.edu Web site maintained by: Virginia Bryan bryanv@missouri.edu Last updated: 09/17/2008