Become a Master Gardener!

If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener and joining the Master Gardeners of Greene County, 2023 Core Training for new members begins Wednesday, May 24, 2023. Classes will be held from 2-4 pm on many Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons (see schedule below) at the Springfield Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave and will continue through Tuesday, July 11, 2023. Day/date fluctuations are due to room and speaker availability. The cost to attend the classes is $200 per person. The program fee covers a training manual, class handouts, speaker fees and other expenses related to the class. Class topics include Soil Health, Insects, Botany, Home Vegetable Production, Herbaceous Ornamentals, Turfgrass, Home Fruit Production, Plant Diseases and Diagnostics, Landscape Design, Trees, and Plant Propagation. For more information, contact Kelly McGowan at or call 417-874-2955.

We are now accepting sign-ups for orientation. Attendance of an orientation session is a mandatory first step to becoming a new Master Gardener. The dates for these are Tuesday, May 2 from 2-4 pm and Thursday, May 4 from 2-4 pm. You are only required to attend one session. To sign up, please e-mail Kelly McGowan at or call 417-874-2955 with your name, contact information, and which session you would like to attend. Orientation sessions will be held in the large meeting room of the Springfield Botanical Center located at 2400 S. Scenic Ave. Springfield, MO 65807. Please register BEFORE noon on Tuesday, May 2, 2023!

There is a lot of interest in this year’s class and registration will be limited to approximately 40 people. These 40 people will be selected based on their commitment to fulfill volunteer requirements (30 hours the first year; 20 hours plus 6 continuing education hours each year after that) and become an active member of the Master Gardeners of Greene County or Christian County Master Gardeners. Details on this will be provided at orientation. At the orientation sessions, 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!

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

2023 Class Schedule: 

Wed. May 24
Thurs. May 25
Tues. May 30
Thurs. June 1
Tues. June 6
Thurs. June 15
Thurs. June 22
Tues. June 27
Thurs. June 29
Thurs. July 6
Tues. July 11