Jefferson County to hold Master Gardener training

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach for Jefferson County will be holding Master Gardener Training, starting February 20. Since 1979, more than 15,000 people have received the Master Gardener Training from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The statewide hybrid training program provides research-based information about tree planting, plant diseases, growing vegetables, houseplants, pollinator gardening, and more.

Pre-registration is required by Feb. 3 and can be completed at: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/mastergardener/become-master-gardener. Or, for more information, call the Jefferson County office at 641-472-4166 or email Courtney at cburk@iastate.edu. The cost for the training is $150, but the Extension Council is offering a $125 reimbursement for 10 individuals who complete the training and volunteer at least 13 hours afterwards. The training is online from Iowa State University, but in-person learning sessions will also take place at the Jefferson County Extension Office.

After the training, Master Gardeners have one year to fulfill their internship of 40 volunteer hours. These can be fulfilled in a variety of ways, depending on their interests. Examples are the Giving Garden here at the fairgrounds, volunteering to assist in public garden areas, helping at schools, assisting with the 4-H Horticulture project area, answering the public's questions about gardening, and more. Once the internship is completed, Master Gardeners complete 10 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of volunteer service annually, to stay an Active Master Gardener.