Q: What is the Master Gardener program?
A: The Master Gardener program is a volunteer service training program whereby adults are given advanced training in horticulture in exchange for volunteer service to the community.
Q: What does the Master Gardener class include?
A: In addition to the standard course work provided by Iowa State University, the Polk County program adds many enhanced experiences such as greenhouse lab work, fruit tree pruning, small fruit pruning, and landscape design to broaden the range of knowledge provided to Polk County Master Gardener students.
Q: When are the Master Gardener classes held?
A: In Polk County classes begin in mid-January and run through mid-April. Classes are held at least once a week and sometimes twice a week. Iowa State University provides seven classes through the ICN (Iowa Communications Network) which are held at local ICN sites. The other classes are held at the ISU Polk County Extension office and at lab sites.
Q: What if I have a conflict with some of the class dates?
A: Absences from some classes can be made up by watching videotapes. Other classes cannot be made up. If you need to miss more than one class, we suggest you wait until another year when you are able to make this commitment.
Q: What if I'm not physically able to do some of the class or lab work?
A: We will work with you to make the experience workable and enjoyable for you.
Q: Is there a fee and when do I pay it?
A: The cost of the Master Gardener Program is $130 and it is due after you have been notified of your acceptance. Some scholarship funds are available. Please indicate your interest in financial assistance when you apply.
Q: What are the fees for?
A: The fee covers teaching materials provided to students. It is not an instructional fee. The cost of instruction is returned in the form of 40 hours of volunteer service.
Q: Why do I have to return 40 hours of volunteer work after the class?
A: Master Gardeners are agents of Extension and volunteer service helps fulfill that mission. The 40-hour volunteer service requirement applies to all local Master Gardener programs statewide in Iowa.
Q: What kinds of volunteer service will I have to do?
A: Our first priority of volunteer service is to research and answer consumer horticulture questions that come to the Extension office throughout the spring, summer, and fall months. Other volunteer service is spent working on local Master Gardener projects. Individual projects can be designed to meet the volunteer service requirement.
Q: How long do I have to give back the 40 hours of volunteer service?
A: Volunteer hours are repaid within one year of your class graduation. If special problems come up, you'll need to discuss this with the county director or the Master Gardener coordinator.
Q: Am I a Master Gardener after the classes are complete?
A: After you've completed training, you'll receive a certificate of completion. Your volunteer title will be “Master Gardener Intern.” When you've completed the 40 hours of volunteer service you will receive an official Master Gardener name badge. Your title will then be “Certified Master Gardener.”
Q: What happens after I've completed my required 40 hours of volunteer service?
A: We hope you enjoy your experience enough to continue to serve as an ISU Extension Certified Master Gardener volunteer. While most of our gardeners remain active in our Master Gardener group, it is not required. To remain an ISU Extension Certified Master Gardener, you will need to continue to earn a minimum of six volunteer service hours and six continuing education hours in horticulture each year.
Q: How do I apply to the program?
A: You will need to request an application packet. These are mailed in August. After reading through the materials that are provided, you can then elect to return your application. You are required to attend an orientation session where you will learn about the schedule of classes, labs, and other activities for the upcoming training program. If you feel you can commit to the schedule, you will be asked to sign a commitment form. The names of those people who have signed commitment forms will be placed into a drawing and the first 50 names drawn out will be the class. We keep an alternates list in case someone from the original 50 names is not able to take the class.
Q: How do I get an application packet?
A: Contact our ISU Polk County Extension office at 261-4200 or email mfarlow@iastate.edu to request your name be put on our mailing list for applications sent in August. We can also provide you with additional information on the program.
Thank you for your interest in our Polk County Extension Master Gardener program!
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