Extension Office Offers Opportunities for Residents to Cultivate Gardening Skills
Posted on March 05, 2026
The Missoula County Department of Ecology and Extension is excited to offer two learning opportunities for residents eager to deepen their understanding of gardening in western Montana's unique climate and to become trained volunteer horticulture educators in their communities.
Gardening in western Montana requires adaptive strategies to thrive amid short seasons, variable soils and environmental pressures unique to this region. Ecology and Extension's "Gardening in Montana" series provides accessible monthly learning for backyard growers and landscape stewards, while the Master Gardener program builds volunteers into trained educators who strengthen our community’s horticulture knowledge and resilience.
Monthly "Gardening in Montana" Learning Series
This monthly series helps gardeners navigate the specific challenges of gardening in western Montana — from the short growing seasons and diverse soils to plant selection and pest dynamics. Each month’s class will highlight a new topic designed to build confidence and practical skills for success in our climate.
Designed for gardeners of all levels — newcomers, recent arrivals to the region and seasoned growers alike — topics will include region-specific growing strategies, how to interpret local climate and hardiness, crop selection suited to the Missoula area, soil health, composting, native plants and more.
When: starting March 25, then running the third Wednesday of each month, through December. Participants can attend one of two identical sessions: noon to 1 p.m. or from 6 to 7 p.m.
Where: Exploration Center Lupine Lab, 1075 South Ave. W. in Missoula
Cost: March is free; $10 per class April-December
Master Gardener Volunteer Certification Program
For residents seeking a deeper commitment and the opportunity to give back through service, the Master Gardener program offers a structured volunteer training that expands on the Gardening in Montana content with more specific horticultural education and community outreach skills.
This nationally recognized volunteer-training program equips participants to extend research-based gardening and landscape information throughout Missoula County and beyond. Topics include soils and fertilizers, plant growth, vegetable and herb gardening, fruit and ornamental production, landscape design, native plants, composting, weed and wildlife management, and integrated pest management.
Certified Master Gardeners volunteer by staffing educational plant clinics, assisting with community gardens, presenting at community events, supporting youth and school gardening programs, and contributing at local outreach events, such as the Clark Fork River Market and Western Montana Fair.
When: Tuesdays, April 7 through June 2, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Exploration Center, 1075 South Ave. W., Missoula
Cost: $250 (includes Master Gardener manual and all materials)
Certification requirements: Attendance, passing grade on final exam, and completion of 20 hours of volunteer service within a year.
Residents can register for Gardening in Montana or the Master Gardener certification course online at www.missoulaeduplace.org or by contacting Sarah Holden at 406-258-4205 or [email protected].
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