SDSU Extension will host Master Gardener and Home Horticulture Training from April 1 to July 31, 2026. The training course is a hybrid of online and in-person instruction designed for any South Dakota resident who is interested in learning more about the effective and sustainable management of their home horticultural landscape.
There are no course prerequisites, although a basic understanding of plants is helpful. Any individual over 18 years of age can participate in the course at full price.
Those willing to make a commitment to serve a minimum of 40 hours as a Master Gardener volunteer may apply to the program. If selected, the Master Gardener volunteer trainee may participate in the course at a discounted rate. More information about this training option is below.
SDSU Extension Master Gardeners will host the course beginning April 1, 2026, with module lessons released weekly through the end of June. Live webinars will take place on Thursday evenings. The course is a hybrid of online and in-person instruction. Trainees are required to attend two in-person training sessions in order to pass the course. Content is the same at each location. Choose one location to attend. In-person dates are as follows:
- Rapid City: April 1 (12:00-5:00 p.m. MT) and June 23 (8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. MT)
- Yankton: April 7 (12:00-5:00 p.m. CDT) and June 16 (8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. CDT)
- Watertown: April 9 (12:00-5:00 p.m. CDT) and June 17 (8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. CDT)
Each location must have at least fifteen participants registered in order to host at that location. If you are unable to attend two in-person sessions at these locations, please do not apply for the course.
Topics
In this course, you will learn about the art and the science of caring for plants. We examine plant types, garden types and elements that influence the growth and vigor of plants in the home garden. We will also focus on the prevention and diagnosis of plant problems in the home horticultural landscape. Sessions include:
- Botany, plant nomenclature, taxonomy
- Soil health and nutrient management
- Invertebrate and vertebrate pests; integrated pest management
- Vegetables, small fruits, tree fruits
- Plant propagation, indoor plants, herbaceous landscape plants
- Introduction to lawn care, diagnosing turf diseases, weeds
- Woody landscape plants
Course Materials and Requirements
- A curriculum manual binder is mailed to your home after registration.
- Pre-recorded lectures, videos, reading materials and PowerPoints.
- Weekly, live 90-minute webinar sessions on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. CDT/6:00 p.m. MT from April 16 through June 25. A minimum of 80% attendance at online webinar sessions is required to pass the course. Participants will have the month of July to complete their final test, which is open book and online.
- Weekly optional quizzes to help you retain information.
- Possible online forum assignments and discussions with other students.
Participants must have an internet connection and the use of a personal computer or tablet. Course materials cannot be viewed using a smartphone alone. Some modules have downloadable documents that can complement the training. Communication is through email and an online training system so a regularly viewed email account is required.
Registration Options
The following three registration options are available for those interested in participating in the course. Registration is required by March 10, 2026. Refunds will not be provided after the second week of the course. Any refunds provided prior to that date will be partial refunds that subtract textbook and registration fees. For more information on the course or the different participation options, contact SDSU.SDMG@sdstate.edu.
Participate in the course at full price and receive a certificate of recognition in home horticulture. No volunteer requirement is associated with this option. This is ideal if you are not able to complete the volunteer hours. This option requires the completion of course material and participation in two in-person sessions and live webinar sessions. Register for the course using the button below.
To become a Master Gardener volunteer requires an application process. Successful applicants will participate in the course at half price, with the understanding that they will pay it forward by volunteering in their community. Upon completion of the course, Master Gardener Interns must complete 40 volunteer hours by December 31, 2027. Master Gardener volunteer hours must relate to sharing research-based horticulture information. There are a variety of ways to volunteer, and we have several Master Gardener clubs located around the state to provide support.
SDSU Extension Master Gardeners are registered volunteers that will be required to comply with SDSU Policy 4:8 and program policies as outlined in the SDSU Extension Master Gardener Program Policy Guide. To become a certified Master Gardener, you will need to complete volunteer paperwork, a background check, the course material, pass the final open-book exam, and complete 40 hours of volunteer service as a Master Gardener Intern by December 31, 2027.
If you are accessing this on a mobile device, please use the mobile friendly application.
This option is only available to currently active, registered SDSU Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs) who wish to take the course as a refresher. No fee is required, but limited space is available. Please do not register if you do not plan to engage.
The course does have a course textbook that will be referenced by trainers. If you wish to purchase a course textbook, please select that ticket option and pay the textbook fee. If you do not want to purchase the textbook, then select the free option.
