Master Gardener Program

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.

More about Master Gardener Program

Dallas County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden

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View of the 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

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

We answer horticulture questions in an unbiased, research-based manner.

The Dallas County Master Gardener Hortline is a free service.

Hortline (515) 993-4281

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!