Who Are the Master Gardeners?
Getting HelpFree Expert Advice for Springfield Gardeners
The Master Gardeners of Greene County are a volunteer corps of trained gardeners operating under the University of Missouri Extension Service. They offer free, research-based gardening advice to anyone in Greene County — including hell strip gardeners.
Contact Information
- Address: 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO 65807
- Phone: (417) 874-2963
- Email: hotline@mggreene.org
- Website: mggreene.org
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm, March through October
Note that the hotline is seasonal. For off-season questions, email is your best bet.
What Master Gardeners Do
Master Gardeners provide:
- Plant identification — bring in a sample or photo and they'll tell you what it is
- Pest and disease diagnosis — what's eating your plants and how to address it organically
- Soil testing guidance — whether you need a test, how to get one, and how to interpret results
- Plant recommendations — what works in Springfield's Zone 6b climate for your specific conditions
- Community education — workshops, demonstration gardens, and school programs
All advice is grounded in University of Missouri Extension research — not guesswork or marketing.
Their Training
To become a Master Gardener, volunteers complete 70+ hours of instruction from University of Missouri Extension specialists, covering horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, soils, and integrated pest management. After training, they commit to volunteer hours providing public education.
Greene County's chapter is one of the most active in Missouri, with a demonstration garden at the Botanical Center and regular community programs.
How Green the Strip Connects to Them
Green the Strip lists the Master Gardeners as a local resource on every hell strip listing in Springfield. When you're ready to take action on your strip — whether you need plant advice, soil guidance, or just encouragement from someone who's done it before — they're the right call.
For complex projects or if you're unsure about a plant choice for your specific conditions, reaching out to the Master Gardener hotline before you plant is always a good idea. It's free, and they love to help.