Master Gardener training offered in Muscatine County
by ISU Extension and Outreach
January 26, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The application window opened Jan. 9 for this year’s winter Master Gardener training cohort in Muscatine county.

Iowans wishing to complete Master Gardener training choose a county to complete training through, 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 contact Lauren Nerad at lnerad@iastate.edu.

“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.

A previous Master Gardeners presentation. Photo courtesy Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Muscatine County.

The Muscatine Master Gardeners donated over 3,836 pounds of produce to low-income families in Muscatine County last year. They also helped maintain the Weed Park Zoo Garden, the Muscatine County Fairgrounds, the Muscatine Arboretum, and other public areas. They annually host the Art of Gardening seminar every March in conjunction with Muscatine Community College, in addition to numerous public workshops throughout the year.

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, contact Nerad, Muscatine Master Gardener coordinator, lnerad@iastate.edu.

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