The Iowa Master Gardener Program, along with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will launch Garden Academy in September 2025, providing high-quality gardening education in a refined format for both aspiring Iowa Master Gardeners and home gardening enthusiasts.

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

One Course, Two Tracks

Interested participants can choose from two program tracks: Iowa Master Gardener Volunteer or Iowa Home Gardener.

All participants, whether they are enrolled to become an Iowa Master Gardener volunteer or an Iowa Home Gardener, will complete the same course, Garden Academy, 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 to be accepted into the Iowa Master Gardener Track are open from July 14 to Aug. 22 on the Iowa Master Gardener website. A list of participating counties is also available on the Iowa Master Gardener website.

Iowa Home Gardener participants will be able to purchase their spots in the course beginning Aug. 25 on the ISU Extension Store website.

The fall training period for both tracks is from Sept. 2 to Nov. 7.

Review the application and completion guidelines for both tracks below.

Iowa Master Gardener Volunteer Track

1. Submit an application and background check. Apply to be an Iowa Master Gardener volunteer and successfully complete a background check by contacting a local ISU Extension and Outreach office.
2. Make a payment. Be accepted into the Iowa Master Gardener Volunteer Track and pay a one-time Garden Academy fee to the county ISU Extension and Outreach office.
3. Complete training. Complete the 10-week online Garden Academy training and pass the final quiz.
4. Complete orientation. Attend in-person volunteer orientation through the local county ISU Extension and Outreach office. Dates, times and duration vary by county. County Master Gardener coordinators will provide county-specific information.
5. Volunteer in the community. Complete a 40-hour volunteer internship within one full calendar year. County Master Gardener coordinators will provide county-specific information and guidance throughout the application, training and internship period.
6. Stay involved. After completing the volunteer internship, Iowa Master Gardener volunteers remain active members by completing 10 hours of continuing education and contributing 20 hours of volunteer service annually. Volunteer and continuing education hours should be reported online by Dec. 1 of each year.

Iowa Home Gardener Track

1. Access course materials. Purchase access to the Garden Academy course through the ISU Extension Store.
2. Complete training. Complete the 10-week online Garden Academy training and pass the final quiz.
3. Go garden. Participants in this track will receive a certificate of completion as an Iowa Home Gardener but will not earn the title of Iowa Master Gardener.

Changes to Garden Academy are designed to clarify the Iowa Master Gardener program’s educational offerings and make high-quality gardening education more accessible to the public. Garden Academy is hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, which is dedicated to providing research-based educational resources from the university to the community.

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