The Master Gardener Program trains garden enthusiasts to learn, grow, and teach others about plants and gardening in the home landscape. Participants receive 40 hours of training via webcasting, face-to-face, and hands-on workshops, while interacting with others of similar interests. After completing their training, Master Gardener Interns volunteer 40 hours of service in county approved projects related to gardening education to become active Master Gardeners. To maintain active status, Master Gardeners must attend at least 10 hours of county approved continuing education and volunteer at least 20 hours of service on county approved projects.
Dallas County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden

Check out the garden located on the Dallas County Fairgrounds. If you would like to donate please call the extension office at 515-993-4281 or mail a check to Dallas County Extension 28061 Fairground Road, Adel IA 50003
Seed Libraries
Locations
- Dallas County Extension I 28061 Fairground Rd. Adel
- Adel Public Library I 303 S 10th St. Adel
- Minburn Public Library I 618 5th St. Minburn
- Waukee Family YMCA I 210 N Warrior Ln. Waukee
- Perry Public Library I 1101 Willis Ave. Perry
- Fruitful Vine Garden I Westview Church in Waukee
Events
Event / Program | Date | Location | Registration |
---|---|---|---|
Winter Webinar Series - Gravel Gardens | Mar. 1 | Online | Register |
Winter Webinar Series - Rain Gardens & Rain Barrels | Mar. 8 | Online | Register |
Houseplant Swap and Propagation Talk | Mar. 25 | West Des Moines Public Library | No registration required |
All About Dahlias | Mar. 27 | Dallas Co Ext | Wait List |
Fruit Tree Workshop & Apple Grafting | Mar. 31 | Dallas Co Ext | Register |
Rain Barrel Workshop | Apr. 1 | Dallas Co Ext | Register |
Beekeeping 101 | Apr. 3 | Dallas Co Ext | Register |
Plant Sale Hosted by The Dallas County Master Gardeners | May 6 | Dallas County Fairgrounds | No registration required |
Bouquets & Bouquet Arranging | June 6 | Adel Farmers Market | No registration required |
2023 International Master Gardener Conference | June 18-22 | Overland Park, Kansas | Register |
Master Gardener Information
- How to Become a Master Gardener
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Applications open in the spring with a deadline of July 1.
If you'd like us to notify you when applications open again, please email mwill@iastate.edu
This year the application and training are being completed online.
Application Details
Who are Master Gardeners?
Master Gardeners are community members from a wide variety of backgrounds. They are passionate about serving their communities and sharing gardening best practices. They have taken the Master Gardener training and share their time and expertise as volunteers in community gardens, city beautification projects, and farmers markets to name only a few areas. They love to share their knowledge and give back to the community as volunteers. Any resident of Linn County is invited to apply to become a Master Gardener.
What happens after the training?
After you complete your training, you'll volunteer in the community at approved Master Gardener projects throughout the county. You'll need to complete 40 hours of volunteering by December 31 of the year following the completion of your training. Projects include working in community gardens with community volunteers, administrative work, answering questions from the public, assisting at our plant sale--there are many different opportunities available.
Thereafter, you'll remain active by attending ten or more hours of continuing education and contributing 20 hours or more of volunteer community service.
Not interested in volunteering?
Register for the core course as a Pro-Hort trainee ($550 fee) and receive a certificate upon completion of the course.
If you have any questions, call the Extension Office at 515.993.4281.
- Master Gardener Hortline
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We answer horticulture questions in an unbiased, research-based manner.
The Dallas County Master Gardener Hortline is a free service.
Summer Hortline hours: March 1st - Oct 31st
- Monday-Thursday 9:00am-Noon and 1:00pm-4:00pm
- Friday 9:00-12:00
Winter Hortline hours: Nov 1st - Feb 28th/29th
- Monday-Friday 10:00-12:00
You can also email Megan Will, the Master Gardener Coordinator at mwill@iastate.edu
In addition, ISU has resources that can help you at the Horticulture and Home Pest News website. You'll find frequently asked questions, newsletter, links to publications, and dozens of videos on a wide range of topics. Check it out!