AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener Program will provide its statewide horticulture training in the spring and fall of 2026. Garden Academy, previously known as Iowa Master Gardener training, offers a comprehensive approach to consumer horticulture education.
From the training, 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
Three optional live interactive Zoom sessions with campus specialists
Interested participants can choose from two program tracks: Iowa Master Gardener Volunteer or Iowa Home Gardener. All participants, whether enrolled to become an Iowa Master Gardener Volunteer or an Iowa Home Gardener, will complete the same course 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 for the spring Iowa Master Gardener track will be open from Jan. 5 through Jan. 30 on the Iowa Master Gardener website. A list of participating counties is also available on the website.
Iowa Home Gardener participants will be able to purchase their spot in the course starting Feb. 2 on the ISU Extension Store website.
The spring training period for both tracks is Feb. 16 to April 24.
Garden Academy will be offered again in the fall from Aug. 31 to Nov. 6. Applications for the Iowa Master Gardener track will be accepted July 20 through Aug. 14. Iowa Home Gardener spots will go on sale Aug.17.
Review the application and completion guidelines for both tracks below.
Iowa Master Gardener Volunteer Track
Submit an application and background check. Apply to be an Iowa Master Gardener Volunteer and successfully complete a background check by contacting an ISU Extension and Outreach county office.
Make a payment. Be accepted into the Iowa Master Gardener Volunteer track and pay a one-time Garden Academy fee to the ISU Extension and Outreach county office.
Complete training. Complete the 10-week online Garden Academy training and pass the final quiz.
Complete orientation. Attend in-person volunteer orientation through the ISU Extension and Outreach county office. Dates, times and duration vary by county. County Master Gardener Coordinators will provide county-specific information.
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.
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
Access course materials. Purchase access to the Garden Academy course through the ISU Extension Store.
Complete training. Complete the 10-week online Garden Academy training and pass the final quiz.
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.
For more information, prospective volunteers can contact their county office. General questions can be directed to [email protected] or 515-294-5104.
–ISU Extension
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