The Master Gardener program trains garden enthusiasts to learn, grow, and teach others about plants and gardening in the home landscape. Forty hours of training are held both in-person and online. The online material will be supplemented with additional experiences with the Polk County cohort 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. 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. 

Class Topics

Class topics include: 

• Soils and Soil Fertility
• Composting, Vermicomposting and Mulch 
• Botany
• Plant Pathology
• Entomology
• Landscape Trees and Shrubs
• Home Landscape Design
• Fruit Culture
• Turfgrass Management
• Weed Science
• Integrated Pest Management
• Animal Ecology
• Vegetables and Herbs
• Houseplants and  Plant Propagation
• Herbaceous Ornamentals

Master Gardener Training 

What you can expect from Master Gardener Training: 

• 10 weeks of hybrid instruction, including
  • video lectures
  • reading assignments
  • quizzes
  • discussion forums
  • in-person classes hosted at the local Extension and Outreach office (4 in-person sessions required)
• A broad overview of 17 horticulture topics that will help students establish a diverse base of horticulture knowledge.
• Links to additional resources that allow students to dive deeper into topics of specific interest. 
• Opportunities to meet new people, network, and share ideas and information with fellow students and active Master Gardeners. 
• Learn more about volunteer opportunities in your community and connect with ISU Extension and Outreach staff at your local office, who will help you get connected with volunteer opportunities matched to your skills and interest. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

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.

Is prior gardening experience or training necessary to become a Master Gardener? 

No. 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.

What is the cost for the program?

There are two tracks for training.

Master Gardener Trainee: $150

This track is recommended for the garden enthusiast who wants to learn, grow, and teach others about plants and gardening in the home landscape. Through educational activities and Master Gardener projects, participants also increase their own personal knowledge in horticulture while serving the Polk County community. This fee includes materials for the core class, and the Master Gardener Resource Guide but is offered at a lower rate due to the volunteer component. Scholarships are available if there is a need. To express the need for scholarship, contact the MG program coordinator at sharring@iastate.edu.

ProHort Trainee: $550

The second track is a ProHort trainee. ProHort participants receive a certificate upon completion of the training. Completion of the online course as well as 4 in-person sessions are required. This track is the preferred option for those who are looking for horticulture training or continuing education but do not wish to do the volunteer service. 

What is the requirement to complete the training?

Requirements for MG Volunteer Trainees:

• Complete online course materials and participate in 4 in-person sessions. 
• Take pre- and post-assessment to gauge knowledge change. 
• Complete 40 volunteer hours as a MG intern in Polk County by the end of the next calendar year. 

Master Gardeners complete 20 volunteer and 10 continuing education hours each year to maintain active status. 

Requirements for ProHort Trainees:

• Complete online materials and participate in 4 in-person sessions.
• Take pre- and post-assessment to gauge knowledge change.