If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener and joining the Master Gardeners of Greene County, 2019 Core Training for new members begins Tuesday, February 12, 2019. Classes will be held from 6-9 pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Springfield Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave, and will continue through early April. The cost to attend the classes is $160 per person or $275 for couples sharing a training manual. The program fee covers a training manual, class handouts, speaker fees and other expenses related to the class. You will receive a class schedule at orientation.  There are some snow days within the schedule, so it is possible we may end before April 11. For more information, contact Kelly McGowan at or call 417-874-2965 or 881-8909.

We are now accepting sign-ups for orientation.  The dates for these are Tuesday, January 29 and Thursday, January 31.  Both sessions are from 1-3 pm and you only have to attend one session.  To sign up, please e-mail Kelly McGowan at with your name, contact information, and which session you would like to attend.  You may also call the Greene County University of Missouri Extension office at (417) 874-2965.  Orientation sessions will be held in the large meeting room of the Springfield Botanical Center located at 2400 S. Scenic Ave. Springfield, MO 65807.

Attendance of an orientation session is a mandatory first step to becoming a new Master Gardener.  You will learn important details about our training classes and required volunteer commitments (30 hours the first year).  You will also get a chance to visit with existing Master Gardener members. The Master Gardeners of Greene County is an active group full of great members who are excited to meet you!  You will officially register and pay the class fee at orientation. We are not able to accept debit or credit cards, so please bring cash or check.

For more information on core training classes or to register for an orientation class, contact Kelly McGowan at or call 417-874-2965.

Just as plants need nutrients, sun and oxygen to grow, Extension Master Gardeners need enthusiastic volunteers to thrive. Community service is at the core of the Master Gardener program in Springfield, MO and each year brings a new opportunity for area plant and garden enthusiasts to take our Master Gardener training and join our family of volunteers.

You don’t have to be an expert gardener to become a member. Participants receive 30 hours of classroom training, and as a trainee, pledge to contribute 30 hours of volunteer service during the first year. When achieved, you have earned the title of Certified Master Gardener and 20 hours annually are required to maintain member status.

Training typically beings each year in February and alternates day or evening classes every other year. There is a fee for the training which includes the Missouri Master Gardener Core Manual which contains 14 guides: one guide about the program policies and 13 detailed guides on a variety of horticultural topics. (This replaces the former Grounds for Gardening horticultural guidebook, still available for purchase, a complete collection of research based horticultural information from the University of Missouri Extension.)

As a benefit of continued service, Extension Master Gardeners may attend advanced horticultural training and most educational programs free of charge.

Download our informational brochure: Helping Others Learn to Grow.

Find a Master Gardener Program near you!
Master Gardener Programs are offered through county extension centers throughout Missouri and the USA. Please use the list below to locate the program nearest to you. Out of state? Look here.