By James Romer
Horticulture Specialist
Iowa State University Extension

What is a Master Gardener?  How does a Master Gardener differ from other gardeners?  How can I receive more information about the program?

Master Gardeners are individuals who have an interest in horticulture, have taken the Master Gardener training offered by the extension service and share their time and expertise with other gardeners  It is the acquisition of knowledge, the skill in gardening and giving back to the community that distinguishes a Master Gardener from other gardeners.

The purpose of the Iowa Master Gardener Program is to provide unbiased, scientific-based horticultural information to the citizens of Iowa through the volunteer efforts of Master Gardeners.  Master Gardeners are residents of a community who take an active interest in horticulture.  They receive training in horticulture through the ISU Extension.  In return for their training, Master Gardeners volunteer in extension horticulture programs and projects, which enhance the community.

The first Master Gardener Program was initiated in Washington State in 1972. In response to overwhelming requests for horticulture information, the idea of trading specialized training in horticulture for a commitment to spend a specified number of hours doing volunteer outreach work for extension was formed.  The Iowa Master Gardener program was piloted in Scott County in 1979.  To date, more than 7,500 Iowans have been trained in the program.

The requirements to become a Master Gardener include a $108 fee to cover the cost of educational materials and a commitment to do 40 hours of extension service.  Individuals receive instruction in a wide range of horticulture and related areas: houseplants, herbaceous ornamentals, turfgrass, vegetables, woody landscape plants, plant propagation, fruits, soils, wildlife management, pesticide safety, integrated pest management, plant pathology, entomology and garden design.

Training is offered in locations listed below throughout the state in the fall and winter months. The training sessions last for three hours and are usually held twice a week. The instructors are state and local extension specialists as well as knowledgeable, local gardeners. After completion of the training program, individuals become Master Gardener Interns. They are promoted to the title of Master Gardener upon completion of their 40-hour service commitment. Master Gardeners can remain active members in following years by attending six or more hours of in-service education and contributing six or more hours of community service.

Master Gardeners provide many services to ISU Extension and their communities. They use their knowledge, talents and skills on various projects and activities, such as answering horticultural questions and phone calls at their local county ISU Extension office, sponsoring lawn and garden shows, developing educational displays and giving horticultural presentations.  Master Gardeners also assist with youth gardening programs, help manage farmers' markets and community gardens, plant demonstration and city beautification gardens, assist at public gardens, conduct horticulture therapy programs at nursing homes, write newspaper columns, participate in radio call-in programs and assist with the coordination and management of the local Master Gardener program.

Besides the educational and community service aspect of the Master Gardener program, gardeners get to know others with similar interests.  They share their gardening experiences and, occasionally, their plants.  If you are interested in becoming an Iowa Master Gardener, contact your local county extension office for the nearest training location.  Fall semester training starts the week of Sept. 5 with the first training broadcast on Sept. 12.  Spring semester training starts the week of Jan. 9 with the first training broadcast on Jan. 16.  Contact your local county extension offices for fall and spring semester registration cut-off dates. 

Fall 2006                                                     Spring 2007
Adair                                                                Carroll

Black Hawk                                                     Des Moines

Bremer                                                             Fayette

Butler                                                               Lucas

Calhoun                                                            Mahaska

Cerro Gordo                                                    Polk

Chickasaw                                                       Union

Grundy                                                              Woodbury

Guthrie                                                              Jefferson

Hamilton/Webster                                           Louisa                         

Ida                                                      

Johnson/Iowa

Linn/Benton

Mitchell

Montgomery

Muscatine

Polk

Sac

Scott

Story/Boone

Van Buren

Woodbury

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