Flathead Master Gardener Classes

Master Gardener

The Master Gardener Program was originally created in 1972 by the Washington State Extension Service. Before its inception, Extension Agents primarily worked with farmers and ranchers. However, as urbanization and modern American life evolved, agents began receiving more inquiries about landscaping, gardening, and pest and disease management. To meet the growing demand for horticultural information among home gardeners, the Master Gardener Program was established.

Farm to market stock

 

Today, the program remains an essential part of MSU Extension, providing communities with reliable, research-based horticultural knowledge to help protect and enhance the value of their landscapes and gardens.  

How is the Program Delivered?

The Master Gardener course is offered in two formats: in-person (January–March) or online (available year-round).

  • In-Person: Contact the office for details on class registration. This program includes a combination of lectures and hands-on workshops.
  • 2026 Master Gardener/Gardening in Montana Class will be held on Thursdays from 3-5pm starting January 8 through March 12 at the Kalispell Senior Center upstairs conference room, 40 11th Street West Kalispell MT 59901.
  • IF THIS TIME AND DAY DOES NOT WORK FOR YOU, THEN THERE ARE TWO OPTIONS:

     

    1- Wait for next year for in-person and Mackenzie Dey will do another evening class (let us know and we will add you to our email list for next year) OR   

    2- Opt for the online Master Gardener course (if interested then email Sarah Eilers and CC mackenzie.dey1@montana.edu in the email - Sarah handles the online MG - sarah.eilers1@montana.edu ). Online: This self-paced option features online lectures and tutorials.

     

  • The cost is $150, which includes a textbook, refreshments every class, binder, resources for each topic covered, workshop materials, and printed notes of the Power Point Presentation in color. We accept cash (exact change), or a check written to MSU Extension.  Payment can be made at the Extension office at 1108 S. Main Street Suite 4  Kalispell MT 59901, or on the first day of class. 

  • To register, please fill out the Google Form with your information: https://forms.gle/YwRzLzghMGpvewnT8

     

Topics Covered in the Course:

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  • Soil Health & Fertility
  • Plant Growth & Development
  • Vegetable Gardening
  • Ornamental Flowers & Native Species for Your Landscape
  • Fruit for Montana Gardens
  • Lawns & Lawn Alternatives                                           
  • Irrigation
  • Composting
  • Principles of Landscape Design
  • Introduction to Integrated Pest Management 

Program Requirements

To become a certified Master Gardener, participants must:                           Lavender Field

  • Complete the Master Gardener course (in-person or online).         
  • Pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher.
  • Complete 20 hours of volunteer service.

Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of completion.

 

Advanced Master Gardener Program

The three-tier Master Gardener system has been dissolved and now aligns with the nationwide standard, which includes Master Gardener and Advanced Master Gardener levels. More details will be provided as agents receive further instruction.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Flathead County Extension Office. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and the Montana State University Extension Service prohibit discrimination in all of their programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status.