Become an Iowa Master Gardener by completing the core training course this fall at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Clarke County office at 154 W. Jefferson St. in Osceola. Gardeners will learn best practices for choosing plants, designing gardens and managing pests. Classes start in September.
Those interested in applying for the course can contact the Clarke County Extension office. Application deadline is Sept. 4, and space is limited. The three-month course fee is $195, which includes all course materials.
“Starting this September, people can begin their journey to become a master gardener volunteer,” said Susan DeBlieck, program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “The training course includes lectures on gardening subjects, from growing vegetables and fruits to designing gardens with sustainable turfgrass.”
After completing the course, master gardener trainees start their work as volunteers within the community. Upon completion of the 40 hours of volunteer service, the master gardener title becomes official and they join thousands of other Iowa volunteers.
“Master gardeners provide information and education to Iowans. They are a community resource growing vegetables for food pantries, teaching fair-goers about pollinators and bringing native plants back to Iowa landscapes,” said DeBlieck.
In 2014, more than 105,000 volunteer hours in Iowa were logged by Iowa Master Gardeners.
Master Gardener core training course is provided by local ISU Extension and Outreach offices on Tuesdays evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., starting Sept. 29 through Nov. 17, and one Saturday daytime class on Oct. 10 or 24 at Iowa State University in Ames.
For more information stop by the Clarke County Extension Office at 154 W. Jefferson St. Osceola, IA 50213, or contact them at 641-342-3316.