ISU Extension Story and Boone County offices will be offering master gardener class beginning in September. Trainees receive more than 40 hours of instruction from ISU extension staff and specialists. Classes cover lawn care, ornamental trees and shrubs, insect, disease and pesticide safety, soil and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening, houseplants and garden flowers.



In exchange for this training, participants are asked to spend 40 hours as volunteers working through their county extension office to provide horticulture-related information to their community. The type of volunteer service varies so that individuals can use their own skills and interests. Some organize plant clinics, displays, and/or programs in shopping malls, libraries and community centers. Master Gardeners are available to speak or conduct workshops with community groups. They also can help establish and maintain community garden plots.

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The first step in becoming a certified Master Gardener is to have an interest in plants and gardening. Applicants must be willing to share what they learn by trading 40 hours of volunteer time for the 40 hours of training.



The next training classes for Story and Boone County residents will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings from Sept. 9 through Nov. 1. Participants are also required to attend one Saturday class on the campus of Iowa State University. Interested persons may call the Story County Extension Office at 515-382-6551 to be placed on a waiting list. A fee of $125 is charged per person.