Registration open for 2026 SDSU Extension Master Gardener training

Participants learned how to propagate plants at the 2024 SDSU Extension Master Gardener training in Madison. (SDSU Extension photo)

BROOKINGS, S.D. – Registration is open for the 2026 South Dakota State University Extension Master Gardener training that will be offered from April 1 to July 31, 2026.

The training is open to anyone who would like to learn horticulture skills and research-based best practices and share their gardening knowledge with others. Participants will learn which plants are well-suited for South Dakota, including trees, shrubs, perennial flowers, turfgrass, vegetables and fruits.

Prairey Walkling, SDSU Extension Master Gardener Field Specialist, said caring for plants is both an art and a science, and this training aims to educate in both areas. Numerous topics are covered, including 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 and woody landscape plants.

Offered once each year, the courses are a hybrid of online and in-person training for South Dakota residents age 18 and over. Registration is required and costs $250 (training plus 40 hours of volunteer work) or $500 (training without volunteer hours). Apply online on the SDSU Extension Master Gardener page. Applications are due by March 10, 2026.

Extension Master Gardener is one of the largest volunteer organizations in the country with more than 76,500 volunteers in 49 states. Walkling states that there are many ways to volunteer, such as answering questions, teaching classes to youth and adults, and coordinating demonstration gardens.

Most coursework is online and self-directed. Online coursework includes weekly 90-minute live webinar sessions that start at 7 p.m. CST from April 16 to June 25. Participants must complete an open-book final exam by July 31.

Participants must attend two in-person training sessions to pass the course. In April, the session is noon to 5 p.m and the options are April 1 in Rapid City; April 7 in Yankton; or April 9 in Watertown. In June, the session is 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the options are June 16 in Yankton; June 17 in Watertown; or June 23 in Rapid City.

For more information, contact sdsu.sdmg@sdstate.edu.