We invite people interested in gardening, community service, and lifelong learning to become Iowa Master Gardener volunteers this fall through our volunteer orientation process. Volunteer orientation includes Garden Academy and in-person volunteer orientation through a county ISU Extension and Outreach office.
Garden Academy is an online horticulture course completed over a 10-week period (August 31 – November 6, 2026). This course is required for all new Iowa Master Gardener volunteer trainees.
To earn the active Iowa Master Gardener title, trainees must:
- Complete the SmartSheet application (Opens July 20: https://go.iastate.edu/F26MGAPP)
- Be accepted and register through their county office
- Successfully complete a background check
- Complete both the online Garden Academy training and county-specific in-person volunteer orientation
- Complete a pre-course evaluation and pass the final exam with a grade of 70% or greater
- Complete a 40-hour volunteer internship within one year
Key Dates:
- Fall Volunteer Applications Open: July 20 – August 14
- Fall training window: August 31 - November 6
For details and county schedules, visit the Iowa Master Gardener website or contact your county coordinator.
Join us fall 2026 to become an Iowa Master Gardener volunteer!
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