Master Gardener

Who We Are

The Master Gardener Program was originally created by the Extension Service of Washington State in 1972. It grew out of the need to meet increased requests from urban home gardeners for horticultural information.  

The Master Gardener is a vital part of Extension's ability to provide the community with up-to-date, reliable knowledge so they can enjoy and protect the value of horticulture around their homes. 

How Does The Program Work?

Are you ready to grow your gardening knowledge? In the Spring 2025 Missoula County will launch a pilot project combining Master Gardener education with a new program, "Gardening in Montana".  We hope these combined efforts will make gardening education available to anyone with an interest in horticulture topics and for those who wish to certify as a Master Gardener volunteer. Master Gardener courses in Missoula are offered in person each spring and fall. There is also an online option that is offered year round in a self-paced, self-study format offered through MSU Extension. 

Gardening in Montana: New Pilot Program by Missoula County Extension

Missoula County Extension is excited to offer Gardening in Montana, an 11-week program designed to provide the foundational basics for all your gardening needs. Start your journey to growing a bigger, better garden with Gardening in Montana!

Program Details:

• Who Can Join? Open to the public—perfect for anyone interested in gardening at any level.
• Cost: Each class is $20. You also have the option to purchase a comprehensive gardening manual for $50 to guide you through the program.  
• Format: Each week features a new gardening topic, engaging community speakers, and a hands-on activity. Plus, enjoy daytime tours of local partner organizations for added insights.
• Resources: Each week you will receive science based resources to explore and learn from. Many are publications from Montana State University.

Course Topics:

• Soils, Nutrients and Fertilizer
• Plant Growth and Development
• Vegetable & Herb Gardening
• Growing Small Fruit and Fruit Trees
• Growing and Caring for Flowers
• Landscape Design
• Planting and Maintaining Trees and Shrubs
• Lawn alternatives, Native Plants & Weeds
• Irrigation Basics and Design
• Composting
• Introduction to Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Flexible Options:
Choose the classes that are right for you! Whether you're looking to enhance your skills or focus on specific topics, this program has something for everyone.

Interested in Becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer?
To qualify, you must:

1. Attend all 11 classes in the Gardening in Montana program.
2. Attend the 12th class (only for Master Gardener Volunteer prospects)
3. Pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher.
4. Complete 20 hours of volunteer service with in 1 year.
5. Pay $250 fee (includes the Master Gardener manual and all class supplies)

Master Gardener Volunteer Commitment

Community service hours in horticulture related activities, events, or programs are required by all program participants to receive their Master Gardener Certification. Students must fulfill a minimum volunteer commitment of 20 hours within one year of completing a course. Examples of service to Missoula County can include, staffing a mobile diagnostic lab, working a saturday at the Clarkfork Market answering gardening questions, helping out your local neighborhood with a beautification project, working in the new Rocky Mountain Gardens, or help out with office needs for the county Hort agent.

Keeping your Certification Active

In order to be certified and maintain good standing as a Master Gardener, participants agree to complete a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer service and 4 hours of continued education per year. Missoula County opportunities include: working in a community garden, giving gardening presentations at schools and to civic groups, manning Info-Booths, telephone and office work, researching and writing grants, fair judging, fund raising, land research, and other opportunities as they present themselves.