K-State Extension Central Kansas District
If you enjoy gardening, learning, and giving back as a volunteer, consider becoming an Extension Master Gardener in 2026. K-State Extension- Central Kansas District will be offering the Master Gardener Basic Training Course starting September 3rd.
Classes begin September 3rd and will run each Thursday through December 3rd. This training will be held in a hybrid format online through zoom and will also include 5 in-person training days. Topics covered include: plant growth and development, soils, insects, diseases, pollinators, landscape maintenance, vegetables, growing fruit, turf management, native plants and biodiversity, annual and perennial flowers, and more.
Who are Master Gardeners?
Master Gardeners are K-State Extension volunteers who enjoy cultivating their own plants and gardens while sharing their skills and knowledge with the community around them to help others grow. Volunteering as an Extension Master Gardener is a wonderful way to enrich your life and the lives of others.
Why become a Master Gardener?
The decision to become a Master Gardener can be very rewarding. It is a decision to take your horticulture knowledge to the next level and it is a commitment to find creative ways to make a difference in our community while sharing that knowledge with the people and places around you.
Training is just one great benefit. Master Gardeners receive a 40-hour-plus horticulture training course from K-State Extension specialists and county Extension agents. The basic training provides a great starting point for those new to gardening, but is also in depth enough to apply to gardeners of any skill level. Other benefits of being a Master Gardener include the camaraderie of people who share similar passions, receiving ongoing horticulture training and support through K-State Extension, and other local horticulture opportunities.
What about volunteering?
Once training is complete, Master Gardeners are encouraged to take their knowledge out to the community to share it with others in unique and meaningful ways. First year Master Gardeners volunteer 30 hours of time and during succeeding years have a commitment of just 20 hours to remain active.
Master Gardener volunteer time can be selected from current Master Gardener projects and can also be tailored to individual abilities and interests. Master Gardeners are encouraged to find their creativity in looking for ways to impact the community. A few activities many Master Gardeners enjoy volunteering on include: the demonstration garden, community gardens, county fairs, and educational garden tours and events.
Apply online
Space for the course is limited and applications to join the course can be filled out online by clicking here and are due by August 31.
Basic training classes covering a diverse range of horticulture topics will be offered as a hybrid format (online and some in-person) in the fall.
The training course cost for 2026 is $125.
Classes will meet online via Zoom on Thursdays from September 3rd through December 3rd. Then, in person as a group in Salina on 5 of the selected Thursdays from 9am to 4pm, and the other Thursday trainings will be held online via Zoom from 1-4pm.
Tentative in-person meeting dates for 2026 are: September 3rd, September 17th, October 1st, November 5th and December 3rd.
Any questions about the 2026 Master Gardener Basic Training Course can be directed to Central Kansas District Horticulture Extension Agent Jason Graves at jlgraves@ksu.edu.