SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – London-born chef-turned-gardener Mitch McCulloch will be the keynote speaker at the 2026 University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener State Conference, June 4-7 in Springfield.
MU Extension horticulturist Kelly McGowan says McCulloch’s keynote address and book signing will be highlights of the conference, which is themed “Seeds to Table: Cultivating Health and Sustainability.” McCulloch’s latest book, “The Seed Hunter,” focuses on preserving rare and endangered heirloom vegetables.
“People are more interested than ever in learning how to grow their own food,” McGowan says. She notes that the conference offers a chance for gardeners from across the state to connect while building gardening skills. The event will also include tours and a trade show, says Debi Kelly, MU Extension’s state Master Gardener coordinator.
Tours include the seed packing facility at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Ozarks Food Harvest’s Full Circle Gardens, Springfield-area home gardens, Master Gardener demonstration gardens and local parks. Breakout sessions include vegetable and herb gardening, pollinators and native plants, sensory gardens, natural scaping, and home landscapes.
Master Gardeners of Greene County will host the conference at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center in Springfield. Shuttle transportation will be provided for off-site tours and classes.
Register for tours by May 11. Deadline for conference registration is May 26. For more information, visit https://pears.io/events/mu/5436.
In addition to this learning opportunity, the Missouri Master Gardener Association will hold a conference Oct. 2-3. This hybrid event combines statewide virtual learning with local in-person watch parties. For more information, go to https://www.momga.org/2026-state-conference.