Master Gardener Class Series
Interested in becoming a ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County Classes are typically held once per year in late summer through fall. Registration info for 2021 can be found here. In 2021, classes will be held through a statewide online asynchronous course August 30 - Nov. 5. The online course will be supplimented with addtional experiences with the Polk County co-hort to facilitate connections among class-members and provide hands-on learning experiences. Within 12 months of completing the coursework, |
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In 2020, Iowa State Extension and Outreach
Master Gardeners in Polk County reported
over 9,000 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 is $195 for Master Gardener Certification
This fee includes materials for the core 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 Kalsa Parker Browning, Natural Resources Program Coordinator, ISU Extension and Outreach - Polk County, polkmg@iastate.edu or by phone at: (515) 957-5768.
Class topics include:
- Soils
- Botany
- Plant pathology
- Entomology
- Landscape trees and shrubs
- Home landscape design
- Fruit culture
- Turfgrass management
- Weeds
- Intergrated Pest Management
- Animal ecology
- Vegetables
- Houseplants and propagation
-
Herbaceous ornamentals
Polk County Master Gardeners have ongoing projects in various locations around the county including:
- Demonstration Garden, Urbandale
- Discovery Garden, Iowa State Fair Grounds
- Enabling Garden, Altoona
- Plant Sales, various
- Garden Tour, various neighborhoods
- Farmers Market booth
- Planning Bus Trips, various destinations
- Art in the Garden Fair, Demonstration Garden, Urbandale
Visit our main Master Gardener page to learn more about these projects.
To learn more about the Master Gardener Program, visit our website.