Heartland Regional Food Business Coalition

Online Master Gardener Training – Become a Master Gardener and join a regional chapter to volunteer in your community
2026-01-02 00:00 - 2026-04-27 00:00 (America/Chicago)
The Extension Master Gardener program was established in Missouri in 1983 and provides in-depth horticultural training for Missourians who wish to share their knowledge of gardening. The mission of the University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener program is to support MU Extension by providing trained volunteers to assist in public horticulture education.
This course prepares Extension Master Gardeners in topics related to soils, plant nutrition, vegetables, fruits, ornamental woody plants, herbaceous plants, plant propagation, disease and insect control, lawn care, residential landscape, environmental stewardship, and safe use of pest management strategies. Extension Master Gardener volunteers assist MU Extension by utilizing unbiased research-based information to educate, answer frequently asked gardening questions, teach through demonstration gardens, donate produce, present as speakers’ bureaus, and share information. To become trained as an Extension Master Gardener, an individual must attend core training and provide 30 hours of volunteer service back to their community.
For additional class and program information or to register: Missouri Master Gardener Online Core Training – Spring 2026 | MU Extension

High Tunnel Production Webinar Series: MU Extension’s Guide to Growing Specialty Crops in Tunnels for High Yields & Low Risks
2026-01-20 18:30 - 2026-04-14 20:00
Location: virtual on Zoom
Time: Tuesdays January 20th-April 14th, 6:30-8:00pm
Join University of Missouri Extension and partner institutions for a practical 12-session webinar series on growing specialty crops in high, low, and caterpillar tunnels. Learn directly from Extension specialists and researchers as they cover tunnel construction, irrigation and fertility management, pest and disease control, specialty crop production, and economics. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your tunnel production year-round, this series offers trusted, research-based guidance to help your farm thrive.
Live attendance is encouraged, but all sessions will also be recorded.
Series will be followed by in-person field days offered across the state in late spring and early summer. Locations and dates TBD.
Cost: $96-140
This course is offered with a tiered pricing model to provide greater access for all community members. To determine your course enrollment fee please review the Sliding Scale Table (https://i.emlfiles4.com/cmpdoc/9/4/0/0/9/1/files/27861_sliding-scale-fee-2026-tunnel-to-table-1.pdf) select a promo code based off of your annual household income. Use this promo code at the end of Registration to reduce your course fee.

We also offer a limited number of scholarships for those who are experiencing underemployment or similar financial challenges. If you are interested in a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Interest Form. Scholarships are generously offered by the Missouri SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education) Program.
