2023 Master Gardener training offered winter and fall

The application window for the 2023 Winter Master Gardener training cohort opens Jan. 9. The training will be offered in 27 counties or extension regions, beginning in February.

Counties offering winter training include Black Hawk, Calhoun, Cerro Gordo, Clay, Clinton, Davis, Dickinson, Emmet, Floyd, Franklin, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Keokuk, Kossuth, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Mitchell, Monona, Monroe, Palo Alto, Poweshiek, Shelby, Tama, Wapello, Warren, Woodbury, Worth and Wright.

Iowans wishing to complete Master Gardener training choose a county to complete training, participate in online learning modules and attend at least four in-person training sessions organized by the county office. After completing the 10-week training, trainees put their knowledge to work with a 40-hour internship in their training county.

Applicants have from Jan. 9 to Feb. 3 to apply for the winter session. Training for the winter session begins Feb. 20. Applications for the fall session will be open in July. Learn more about the program online or through your local extension office.

“Many people have misconceptions about what the Master Gardener program truly is,” said Alicia Herzog, Master Gardener statewide coordinator with ISU Extension and Outreach. “The Master Gardener training program is about more than just learning how to grow your best garden, although you will learn that as well. Trainees use knowledge gained in training to grow food for those in need, partner with area organizations to design green spaces, and present programs in their local communities.”

Master Gardeners are volunteers who use research-based information to educate people and coordinate projects that promote healthy communities.

Local extension staff can help anyone with questions about joining Master Gardener training this year, including details of when and where in-person meetings will take place in their county or extension region.

Iowa State has offered Master Gardener training for over 40 years, engaging more than 15,000 people in learning about gardening best practices.

For more information, Herzog can be reached at 515-294-3627 or aherzog@iastate.edu.