Garden Academy to be offered in 2026

AMES — The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener Program will provide its statewide horticulture training in the spring and fall of 2026. Garden Academy, previously known as Iowa Master Gardener training, offers a comprehensive approach to consumer horticulture education.

Participants can expect 10 weeks of asynchronous online instruction featuring video lectures, reading assignments and quizzes; a comprehensive overview of 17 horticultural topics to build a varied foundation of horticultural knowledge; additional resources for deeper exploration of specific interests; completion of a pre- and post-test to meet course requirements; and three optional live interactive Zoom sessions with campus specialists.

Interested participants can choose from two program tracks — Iowa Master Gardener Volunteer or Iowa Home Gardener. All participants, whether enrolled to become Iowa Master Gardener volunteers or Iowa Home Gardeners, will complete the same course designed to enhance horticulture knowledge and skills.

Alicia Herzog, Iowa Master Gardener program manager for ISU Extension and Outreach, explained the goals of both course tracks.

“The Iowa Master Gardener Volunteer track is focused on developing and supporting passionate volunteers, providing them with knowledge and resources that instill confidence in them as they serve their communities. Participants do not have to be gardening experts to complete this option,” she said.

“The Iowa Home Gardener track is great for those looking to enhance their own knowledge and personal gardening skills.”

Applications for the spring Iowa Master Gardener track will be open from Jan. 5 through Jan. 30 on the Iowa Master Gardener website. A list of participating counties is also available on the website.

Iowa Home Gardener participants will be able to purchase their spots in the course starting Feb. 2 on the ISU Extension Store website.

The spring training period for both tracks is Feb. 16 to April 24.

Garden Academy will be offered again in the fall from Aug. 31 to Nov. 6. Applications for the Iowa Master Gardener track will be accepted July 20 through Aug. 14. Iowa Home Gardener spots will go on sale Aug. 17.

For more information, prospective volunteers can contact their county offices. General questions can be directed to mgardener@iastate.edu or 515-294-5104.