Become an Iowa Master Gardener by completing the core training course this fall through the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Grundy County office. Gardeners will learn best practices for choosing plants, designing gardens and managing pests. Classes in Grundy start on September 27, 2016.

Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m. and will be held at the Grundy County Extension & Outreach Office at 703 F Avenue, Suite 1, Grundy Center. There will also be a class on October 8 or 22 in Ames on the campus of Iowa State University. Three face-to-face lectures to cover vegetables, herbs, plant propagation, houseplants and herbaceous ornamentals will also be part of the training.

Those interested in the course can apply through the Master Gardener mastergardenerhours.hort.iastate.edu/application-form.php. Apply by September 1, 2016 to participate in 40 hours of Master Gardener Training. No previous gardening experience is required to attend the training, just an active interest in gardening of all types.

“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 20 hours a year while building their gardening know-how by participating in 10 hours of continuing education.

“Master gardeners provide information and education to Iowans,” said DeBlieck. “They are a community resource establishing community gardens, helping people identify plant diseases and growing nectar plants for pollinators.”

In 2015, over 120,000 volunteer hours in Iowa were logged by Iowa Master Gardeners.

Contact Shari Sell-Bakker, Grundy County Extension Program Director at 319-824-6979 or sellbakk@iastate.edu with any questions regarding the training program.