Gardeners of all experience levels will have the chance to learn new skills and explore fresh ideas at the 2026 University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener State Conference, taking place June 4 through 7 in Springfield.
For the first time, the annual conference is open to the general public rather than only Master Gardener members. Greene County Master Gardener Coordinator Kelly McGowan says organizers wanted to make the conference’s educational opportunities available to a wider audience.
McGowan says attendees can choose from a variety of sessions and tours covering nearly every gardening topic imaginable.
The conference, hosted at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, will feature breakout sessions, networking opportunities, a trade show and hands-on activities. Participants can also take guided tours throughout the Springfield area, including visits to Baker Creek’s seed-packing facility, Ozarks Food Harvest’s Full Circle Gardens and several private gardens maintained by Master Gardener volunteers.
McGowan says the home garden tours offer visitors a chance to see a wide range of gardening styles and techniques in practice.
Saturday’s keynote speaker will be London-born chef-turned-gardener Mitch McCulloch, known for preserving rare and endangered vegetable varieties. McCulloch, author of The Seed Hunter, will discuss heirloom crops, food history and seed preservation. McGowan says conference speakers provide reliable, practical information that can be difficult to find online.
Breakout sessions will cover topics including vegetable and herb gardening, pollinators, native plants and home landscaping. Additional presentations will address microplastics, yard ethics, manure use, peonies, weed management and hummingbirds. Attendees can also participate in hands-on activities such as building terrariums and nature shadow boxes.
McGowan says gardening is an activity anyone can enjoy, regardless of age or experience level, and she hopes conference participants leave inspired to try new techniques and share what they learn with others.
More information is available through the University of Missouri Extension website.