Master Gardener Training Begins in September
Iowa State University Extension
Become an Iowa Master Gardener by completing the core training course this fall through the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Mahaska County office. Gardeners will learn best practices for choosing plants, designing gardens and managing pests.
Orientation will be held September 20. Classes will be held on Tuesday and select Thursday evenings from 6:30 pm– 9:30 pm at Mahaska County Extension Office, 212 North I Street, Oskaloosa. There will also be a class on October 8 or 22 in Ames on the campus of Iowa State University.
Applications are available at the Extension office or the website http://www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/news/it-time-enroll-master-gardner-training-orientation-september-20-0 . Application and payment are due by September 9, 2016 to participate in 40 hours of Master Gardener Training. There is a fee of $195 for this course and no previous gardening experience is required.
“Starting this fall, people can begin their journey to become a master gardener volunteer,” said Susan DeBlieck, program assistant in the Master Gardener program with 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, volunteering 40 hours of community service.
After the initial volunteer requirement, Master Gardeners volunteer 20 hours a year and complete 10 hours of continuing education annually. “Master gardeners provide information and education to Iowans,” said DeBlieck. Master Gardeners are a community resource; there opportunities are numerous and include volunteering by establishing community gardens, educating about pollinator plants, and helping people identify plant diseases and insects. In 2015, over 120,000 volunteer hours in Iowa were logged by Iowa Master Gardeners.
DeBlieck notes a second enrollment option for those not interested in volunteering. Registering as a professional horticulture trainee ($550 fee), offers the same educational course and materials, but participants earn a certificate upon completion without having to provide the 40 hours of community service. Contact Suzette Striegel, Mahaska county Horticulturist at 641-673-5841, or striegel@iastate.edu with any questions regarding the Master Gardener training program.
