Last year, I decided to enroll in the Missouri Master Gardener course. 

Seeking practical answers for my own yard and garden, I contacted the Barry County Extension Office and spoke with administrative assistant Jeanne Strange, who introduced me to the Barry County Master Gardeners. 

The Master Gardener online core training is a semester-long course organized into weekly learning modules. It follows the University of Missouri’s fall and spring academic calendar and is offered through the Extension Division. The course does not carry official university credit. 

Timing worked in my favor, so I enrolled for the spring semester. That decision proved valuable. The curriculum addresses Missouri-specific conditions — something I could not fully appreciate while living in South Dakota. There, I never contended with the mostly clay “rocky soil” or “dirty rocks” and minimal topsoil. 

The program’s mission is straightforward: participants acquire a working knowledge of the fundamental principles of plant growth and development, apply those concepts to everyday horticultural situations, learn the basic terminology of the art and science of horticulture, and develop an appreciation of gardening as a lifelong pursuit. 

Each week covers one chapter of the Master Gardener Core Manual. Lessons include unit objectives, online presentations, an “Above & Beyond” activity (typically one to two hours), recommended web resources, an online discussion and an open-book quiz. 

Two kinds of students take the class. Some are Master Gardener trainees willing to volunteer on community projects and help educate others. Others are private individuals or industry professionals who simply want to deepen their horticultural knowledge and carry no volunteer obligation. 

For a quick overview, search YouTube for “University of Missouri Extension Missouri Master Gardener Program.” The Barry County MG Chapter is sponsoring 4 – 50/50 ($100) scholarships to those that are interested in becoming a MG and will join the local chapter. You will be assigned a local chapter mentor to help you get started upon completion. 

The spring course runs from Jan. 18, 2027, through April 14, 2027. Registration opens Nov. 16 and closes Jan 16, 2027, by 5 p.m. Sign up at: https://extension.missouri.edu/courses/missouri-master-gardener-online-core-training-spring-2027. Tuition is $200. Contact [email protected] for any further questions you may have.  

If you would like to apply for one of the local scholarships, call 417-342-2989 and leave a message no later than Nov. 15. I’ll call you back to discuss the questions on the application. 

Like many people, I turned to YouTube for advice. Those videos are helpful, yet they rarely account for the specific variables each gardener faces whether it is a single indoor plant, flower bed, fruit trees, vegetable garden or lawn care. 

I look forward to learning from people who have years of experience with native flora, flowers, vegetable gardening, landscaping, yard care, tree care, and more. If you have any interest in plants, this journey is worth taking. 

You will not leave with every answer, yet you will gain a solid foundation in the principles of plant growth and development and know where to turn for reliable resources.

Nancy Walsh recently became a Master Gardener. She may be reached at 417-342-2989.