Apply now to become an Iowa Master Gardener

Those interested in become an Iowa Master Gardener may do so by completing the core training course this fall through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Allamakee County office in Waukon. Gardeners will learn best practices for choosing plants, designing gardens and managing pests. Classes start at all locations in September of this year.

Those interested in the course can apply at http://mastergardenerhours.hort.iastate.edu/application-form.php. Apply now, as space is limited for each location. Accepted participants will be notified by September 11.

The three-month course fee covers all materials. Upon completion of the core training, membership with the Allamakee County Master Gardeners, and completion of the 40 hours of volunteer service, the Allamakee County Master Gardeners will reward participants with a scholarship. The core training course is offered approximately every five years in Allamakee County.

“Starting this fall, people can begin their journey to become a master gardener volunteer,” said Susan DeBlieck, program assistant in the Master Gardener program at ISU Extension and Outreach. “The training course includes lectures on gardening subjects, from growing vegetables and fruits to designing gardens with native plants.”

After completing the course, master gardener trainees start their work as volunteers within the community. Upon completion of 40 hours of volunteer service, the master gardener title becomes official and they join thousands of other Iowa volunteers.

“Master gardeners provide information and education to Iowans," DeBlieck said. "They are a community resource for establishing community gardens, helping people identify plant diseases and growing nectar plants for pollinators." In 2015, over 120,000 volunteer hours were logged by Iowa Master Gardeners.

The master gardener core training course will be hosted by the ISU Extension and Outreach Allamakee County Office, located at 218 Seventh Avenue SE, Suite #102 in Waukon, Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. starting in September and including one Saturday daytime class October 8 or 22 at Iowa State University in Ames. Three face-to-face lectures covering vegetables, herbs, plant propagation, houseplants and herbaceous ornamentals will also be part of the training. Call 563-568-6345 for more information.