Registration open for fall master gardener training

AMES ? The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener program will hold its core training sessions this fall for individuals interested in becoming Master Gardeners.

The Master Gardener program is looking for people who are passionate about volunteering and gardening. No previous garden knowledge is required. The program equips volunteers to grow in knowledge about gardening best practices. After the training, Master Gardeners volunteer in their community, making significant contributions such as giving produce to food banks for food security and making Iowa?s fairgrounds and main streets beautiful.

Master Gardener training sessions will be held across the state on Tuesdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m., beginning in September and running through November. There will also be two training sessions (Saturday, Oct. 7 and 21) held on campus at Iowa State. There is a fee for the training sessions.

The training sessions will be held throughout the state. Training will be held in Washington at the Washington County Extension office. Please contact the Extension office at 319-653-4811 for more details.

Those interested in the course can apply at https://mastergardenerhours.hort.iastate.edu/application-form.php. Applications for the Master Gardener Program are due by Sept. 1.

After completing the course, Master Gardener trainees work as volunteers within the community, volunteering 20 hours per year and building their gardening know-how by participating in ten hours of continuing education.

Individuals not interested in becoming a Master Gardener volunteer can still receive training. The ProHort program allows individuals to gain knowledge while earning a certificate of completion. Cost for the ProHort program is $550 and does not include any volunteer requirements.

Iowa Master Gardeners donated nearly 120,000 volunteer hours during 2016, providing the equivalent of $2.6 million in labor to help beautify Iowa and address ongoing food security issues.