A new academy from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is set to launch this September for gardeners.  

The Garden Academy begins this September. It will provide high-quality gardening education in a new format for both aspiring Iowa Master Gardeners and home gardening enthusiasts.

Interested participants can choose from two program tracks: Iowa Master Gardener Volunteer or Iowa Home Gardener. All participants will complete the same course, Garden Academy, designed to enhance horticulture knowledge and skills. 

The course will feature 10 weeks of 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. It will wrap up with a test to meet course requirements. 

Applications for the Iowa Master Gardener Track are open from July 14 to August 22 on the Iowa Master Gardener website. Iowa Home Gardener participants will be able to purchase their spots in the course beginning August 25 on the ISU Extension Store website. 

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/mastergardener/become-master-gardener