Master Gardener Basic Training is an asynchronous e-course completed over the course of 10 weeks (2/24/2025 - 5/2/2025), on your own time!

The Iowa Home Gardener track does not confer the title of Iowa Master Gardener. If you would like to become an Iowa Master Gardener volunteer, please contact your county Extension and Outreach office.

Master Gardener Basic Training offers a comprehensive approach to consumer horticulture education.
Participants can expect:

• 10 weeks of online instruction, featuring video lectures, reading assignments, and quizzes.
• A broad overview of 17 horticulture topics to establish a diverse base of horticulture knowledge.
• Links to additional resources for deeper exploration of specific interests.
• Completion of a pre- and post-test as part of the course requirements.
• A downloadable Resource Guide will be available after completing your enrollment.
• This course will require you to use Moodle to complete the course. This is an online learning management system. This class is not recommended if you are not comfortable with using a computer.
• You will have 10-weeks to complete the requirements of this course, with an additional 2-weeks (if needed) to prepare for and take the final test. This course section starts on 2/24/2025 at 12:01 AM and will end on 5/17/2025 at 11:59 PM.
• All requirements of the course must be finished in that period to receive your certificate of completion. If you do not meet all the course requirements in that period, you will not receive a certificate of completion or a refund.
• Enrollment for this course will close on March 14, 2025, at 4:00 PM.
• Once digital access to the course has been granted, no refunds will be permitted.
  

If this timeframe does not work for you, consider taking the course in the fall instead. Fall training will be hosted September 2, 2025 – November 7, 2025. Registration for the fall offering will open August 25, 2025, at 8:00 AM.

Size Chart

An effortless, perfect tee for everyday wear.

• 100% ring spun combed cotton
• 32 singles (high quality yarn thickness)
• Tear-away label
• 1x1 rib knit neck
• Shoulder to shoulder taping

This garment is produced with a screen print of the ISU Extension and Outreach Master Gardener mark.

Size Chart

An effortless, perfect tee for everyday wear.

• 100% ring spun combed cotton
• 32 singles (high quality yarn thickness)
• 1x1 rib knit neck
• Shoulder to shoulder taping

This garment is produced with a screen print of the ISU Extension and Outreach Master Gardener mark.

Size Chart

This mid-weight pullover has an unbeatable textured look with contrast zipper taping. Plus, it performs by wicking moisture.

• 100% polyester
• Cadet collar
• Tag-free label
• Taped neck
• Dyed-to-match
• Vislon zipper and pull
• Silver zipper tape
• Angled chin guard for additional comfort
• Set-in sleeves
• Thumbholes to keep hands warm
• Front and back princess seams
• Open cuffs and slight drop tail hem

This garment is produced with embroidery of the ISU Extension and Outreach Master Gardener mark.

Size Chart

You'll be the biggest fan of this smooth-faced fleece.

• 8.5-ounce, 80/20 ring spun cotton/poly
• 100% ring spun cotton face
• Removable tag for comfort
• Locker patch
• Twill-taped neck

This garment is produced with embroidery of the ISU Extension and Outreach Master Gardener mark.

Size Chart

An enduring favorite, this comfortable classic polo is anything but ordinary. Silky soft, with superior wrinkle and shrink resistance, it's a first-rate choice for just about any group.

• 65/35 poly/cotton pique
• Flat knit collar and cuffs
• 3-button placket
• Metal buttons with dyed-to-match plastic rims
• Side vents

This garment is produced with embroidery of the ISU Extension and Outreach Master Gardener mark.

Size Chart

An enduring favorite, this comfortable classic polo is anything but ordinary. Silky soft, with superior wrinkle and shrink resistance, it's a first-rate choice for just about any group.

• 65/35 poly/cotton pique
• Flat knit collar and cuffs
• 3-button placket
• Metal buttons with dyed-to-match plastic rims
• Side vents

This garment is produced with embroidery of the ISU Extension and Outreach Master Gardener mark.

The perfect, go-to baseball cap for all your outdoor activities. These hats feature a classic, relaxed fit with unstructured, washed twill, an adjustable cloth strap, and nickel strap buckle.

This water bottle is double wall vacuum insulated with stainless steel leak and sweat proof cap. It keeps your drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours. The water bottle has a bamboo lip cover and features a wide opening design for easy holding, refilling, pouring and drinking. 10.23” H x 2.87” D

This sun hat is made with high-quality lightweight water resistant 100% polyester for quick drying. Features include mesh panels, two-side air vent, adjustable head size, 3.2” wide brim anti-UV, and adjustable chin strap. Perfect for gardening or any of your favorite outdoor activities.

The official textbook of the Iowa Master Gardener training: each chapter is written by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists, providing information and answers to questions about growing and tending plants.

Many gardeners produce excess vegetables during the growing season. Some preserve their surplus vegetables for later use, while others give friends and neighbors the extras. Another option for using this excess produce could be a local food pantry. This publication discusses 13 vegetables that can be donated to food pantries and tips for growing and harvesting those vegetables.

The production of fruit on most plants, trees, and shrubs results from pollination of the blossoms. This publication explores tree fruit pollinations including methods of pollination, blooming times, and a chart to determine which apple cultivars are suitable pollinators.