Whats the history of the Master Gardener Program?
Originating in 1972 in Seattle, Washington, the Master Gardener Program is now organized in every state and six provinces in Canada. In St. Louis, University Outreach and Extension established the program in 1983 in partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden. University Outreach and Extension’s Horticulture Specialist coordinates the program with the help of a steering committee composed of Master Gardeners. Who’s eligible to be a Master Gardener Volunteer? Volunteers are very important to the expansion of the outreach services offered by University Outreach and Extension. A successful candidate for this program is anyone who loves to garden and is willing to give volunteer hours to University Outreach and Extension educational programs, and meet basic application requirements. What training is involved? Master Gardener candidates receive about 45 hours of horticultural training on a wide variety of topics. Classes are usually taught by University of Missouri faculty and the St. Lo
