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. 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, the Master Gardener "intern" will need to report 40 hours of volunteer time on approved projects before receiving their Master Gardener Certificate.

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.