Interested in becoming a  Master Gardener in Polk County? ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County offers the class series each year. Classes are typically held once per year in late summer through fall. The 2018 class is currently in progress. Please visit our website in the spring for information on the Fall 2019 class. Classes are held once per week and there are 13 sessions--most classes are Tuesday evenings beginning at 6:00 PM.--but we plan to have some classes outside in early fall so the start time may vary. To complete the Master Gardener certification, class participants must also attend a greenhouse lab, a pruning lab, and a one day class on campus at ISU (a Saturday).  Within 12 months of completing the coursework, the Master Gardener "intern" will need to report 40 hours of volunteer time on approved projects before receiving their Master Gardener Certificate. Read more about the certification program here.

In 2017, Iowa State Extension and Outreach

Master Gardeners in Polk County reported

over 21,000 volunteer service hours.

What sets a Master Gardener apart from a home gardener?
Master Gardeners are enthusiastic, willing to learn, and have the ability to communicate and share their knowledge with diverse groups of people.

Prior experience or education is not required to become a Master Gardener.  
After acquiring the Master Gardener Certificate, volunteers must complete a minimum of 10 hours of educational training and provide 20 hours of volunteer service annually.

Class Tuition for 2018 is $195 for Master Gardener Certification
This fee includes materials for the core class, on-campus class and a Master Gardener resource guide and workbook. Not interested in becoming a community volunteer? When class size permits, we accept applications to take the coursework and receive a "ProHort" certificate of completion. The ProHort certification fee is $550.

If you have more questions about enrolling in the Polk County class, contact Nancy (Ike) Eichmann, Master Gardener and Horticulture Education Coordinator, ISU Extension and Outreach - Polk County,  polkmg@iastate.edu or reach Ike by phone at: (515) 957-5761.