Master Gardener

Master Gardener SPRING Course is open for registration! Sign Up HERE

Master Gardener Volunteer Certification

Missoula County Extension | Montana State University Extension

The Master Gardener Program is a nationally recognized Extension volunteer program that began in 1972 through Washington State University Extension. The program was developed to meet increasing public demand for reliable, research-based horticultural information.

Master Gardeners are a vital part of Montana State University Extension’s ability to serve communities. As trained volunteers, Master Gardeners help extend Extension’s outreach by sharing science-based gardening and landscape information with the public.

About the Program

The Master Gardener course is a volunteer training program, not a general gardening class. It is designed for individuals who wish to become certified Extension volunteers with Missoula County Extension and support Extension’s horticulture education and outreach efforts.

Participants receive instruction from MSU Extension staff and local subject-matter experts and commit to providing volunteer service in support of Extension programs.

Course Topics

Training covers a wide range of horticulture topics relevant to Montana, including:

• Soils, nutrients, and fertilizers
• Plant growth and development
• Vegetable and herb gardening
• Small fruits and fruit trees
• Flowers and ornamental plants
• Landscape design and native plants
• Planting and care of trees and shrubs
• Composting, weeds, and wildlife
• Introduction to integrated pest management (IPM)

2026 Spring Training Details

Dates:
April 7, 14, 21, 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 2026

Day & Time:
Tuesdays, 6:00–8:30 p.m.

Location:
The Exploration Center
1075 South Ave W
Missoula, MT

Format:

• 9 weeks of in-person instruction
• Weekly classes approximately 2.5 hours in length

Cost:
$250 (includes the Master Gardener manual and all class materials)

Certification Requirements

To earn Master Gardener certification, participants must:

• Attend all scheduled classes
• Pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher
• Complete 20 hours of approved volunteer service within one year
• Pay the course fee

Volunteer Service

Volunteer service is a required component of the Master Gardener Program and supports MSU Extension’s educational mission in Missoula County. Volunteer opportunities may include:

• Supporting school and youth gardening programs
• Providing gardening presentations to community groups
• Staffing the Extension plant clinic
• Answering gardening questions at community events such as the Clark Fork River Market and the Western Montana Fair
• Assisting with Extension demonstration gardens, including the Rocky Mountain Gardens
• Supporting Extension outreach, education, and office needs

Maintaining Certification

To remain an active, certified Master Gardener, volunteers must complete annually:

• 20 hours of approved volunteer service, and
• 4 hours of continuing education

Continuing education and volunteer opportunities are coordinated through Missoula County Extension and support ongoing learning and community engagement.

Considering the Master Gardener Program?

The Master Gardener Program is a meaningful commitment and a rewarding way to expand horticultural knowledge while serving your community. Missoula County Extension values the time, expertise, and service Master Gardeners provide and fosters a supportive volunteer community. In Missoula County we have an active Master Gardener community that seeks to connect throughout the year and share interests in gardening and our connections.

Individuals who are interested in learning about gardening but do not wish to commit to volunteer service are encouraged to explore MSU Extension’s public classes and workshops.

View upcoming programs and events:
https://missoulaeduplace.org

Questions?

For additional information or to determine whether the Master Gardener Program is right for you, please contact Missoula County Extension Horticulturalist, Sarah Holden at sarah.holden1@montana.edu / 406-544-6582. We appreciate your interest in supporting Extension’s horticulture education efforts.