Register now for Jan. 30 start of online Master Gardener training

 A new session of Missouri University Extension online training for Master Gardeners begins Jan. 30.
Popularity of the online classes has grown steadily since MU Extension began offering them in 2013, David Trinklein, state horticulture specialist for MU Extension, said in a recent news release.
The online class is an alternative for people who would otherwise have to travel many miles to attend Master Gardener training classes.
Trinklein and Extension regional horticulture specialist Sarah Denkler teach the 14 online sessions, which are delivered as narrated PowerPoint presentations. Participants need a composite score of 70 percent on chapter quizzes to pass the course.
Topics include basic botany, soils and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening, fruit production, insects and diseases, landscaping and landscape plants, turf management and pesticide safety.
The training is the first step toward Master Gardener certification. At least 30 hours of volunteer service is also required, Trinklein said. Local Master Gardener chapters help online trainees find volunteer opportunities to meet the service requirements.
The course also may be taken for personal enrichment only; a higher registration fee is charged for these participants.
The registration deadline for the online spring session is Jan. 23. Classes begin Jan. 30.
For more information, visit extension.missouri.edu/mg.

Missouri Master Gardener program