(Cass/Adair Co.) Garden Academy Training provides hands-on, in-person learning opportunities and online training for those interested in becoming a Master Gardener. Deadline to apply for guaranteed consideration is August 14.
Applications are now open for this year’s fall Master Gardener training cohort, which will be offered across the state, including locally as a partnership between Adair and Cass County in Southwest Iowa. The Iowa Master Gardener Volunteer Training provides hands-on, in-person learning opportunities and volunteer orientation for local individuals interested in becoming Iowa Master Gardener Volunteers. Trainees also participate in the volunteer track of the 10-week Garden Academy online training, which can be completed on their own schedule in September-November of 2026. Online courses begin August 31, and the in-person orientation class will be Tuesday, September 1 at 5:30 PM. Four additional in-person meetings will be scheduled in September and October on Tuesday evenings; trainees are encouraged to attend as many as possible for maximum benefit from the class.
Iowans interested in becoming a Master Gardener volunteer can register online by selecting their local county extension office as a training location, then participate in online learning modules, and complete volunteer orientation and training activities organized by their local county office. The training is open to any Iowans wanting to deepen their understanding of horticulture, connect with other gardening enthusiasts, and give back to their local communities. No prior gardening experience or minimum skill level is required. Garden Academy covers 17 horticulture topics, including vegetables, insects, houseplants, flowers, fruits, turfgrass, landscape design, native plants, plant propagation, wildlife, integrated pest management, and common plant problems. After completing Garden Academy activities online and in-person, trainees put their knowledge to work with a 40-hour internship in their designated training county.
Applicants have until Friday, August 14 to apply for the fall training session. Cost to participate in the volunteer track of the training is $175, which covers 40 hours of online education, 5 sessions of hands-on training, and all course materials. Individuals previously trained as Master Gardeners who wish to reactivate may be eligible to take the training for a discount- please check with your local county coordinator for details. Scholarship funds are available through the application process, and the Cass County Master Gardeners also offer assistance with course fees for anyone who completes their internship hours through the Cass County group. Counties
are seeking participants of all backgrounds and experience levels who desire to grow their horticultural knowledge and serve their communities. Training for the fall session begins August 31 online. Learn more about the program online at the Iowa Master Gardener website (https://www.extension.iastate.edu/mastergardener/) or by calling your local extension office.
The Iowa Master Gardener Program is a year-round volunteer service organization that utilizes university-trained volunteers who use research-based horticulture and gardening knowledge and practices to educate people and coordinate projects that promote healthy, vibrant communities. Cass County has an active Master Gardener group that supports local communities through projects focused on education, beautification and food access. The group coordinates several opportunities annually for members to get volunteer and education hours, in addition to offering programs for the general public.
Iowa State has offered Master Gardener training for over 40 years, engaging more than 15,000 people in learning about gardening best practices. The online Garden Academy training is also available with an Iowa Home Gardener track at a higher price for those who would just like the gardening education without becoming involved as a volunteer.
Local extension staff coordinators 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 local county. For more information about local training details and timeline, contact the Cass County Extension Office at 712-243-1132 or the Adair County Extension Office at 641-743-8412.
