Unveiling Garden Academy: A New Educational Institution for Botany Enthusiasts
The Iowa State University (ISU) Garden Academy offers two unique opportunities for those interested in gardening: the Master Gardener Volunteer Track and the Iowa Home Gardener Track. Both programmes provide high-quality, university-backed training, but cater to different needs and interests.
**Master Gardener Volunteer Track**
For those seeking certification, community involvement, and ongoing education, the Master Gardener Volunteer Track is the ideal choice. To apply, prospective volunteers must submit an application and successfully complete a background check through their local ISU Extension and Outreach office. A one-time Garden Academy fee must be paid to the county Extension office upon acceptance into the programme.
The 10-week online training programme, which covers a broad overview of 17 horticulture topics, must be completed, and a final quiz passed. An in-person volunteer orientation (details vary by county) is also required. Volunteers must fulfill a 40-hour volunteer internship within one full calendar year, and after the initial internship, they must complete 10 hours of continuing education and contribute 20 hours of volunteer service annually to remain active. Upon completion, participants earn the Iowa Master Gardener title and certification.
**Iowa Home Gardener Track**
For those seeking flexible, in-depth gardening education without volunteer obligations or formal certification, the Iowa Home Gardener Track is the better option. Participants can purchase access to the Garden Academy course materials through the ISU Extension Store for $300. The programme provides the same 10-week online training and a final quiz as the Volunteer Track. However, there is no internship or ongoing volunteer commitment, and participants do not earn the Iowa Master Gardener title.
Instead, upon completion, participants receive a certificate of completion as an Iowa Home Gardener. The programme offers links to additional resources for deeper exploration, making it an excellent choice for personal or professional development.
**Comparison Table**
| Feature | Master Gardener Volunteer Track | Iowa Home Gardener Track | |-------------------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------------------------| | **Application** | Yes (including background check) | No | | **Fee** | Yes | Yes | | **Training** | 10-week online course + quiz | 10-week online course + quiz | | **Orientation** | In-person (county-specific) | No | | **Volunteer Internship** | 40 hours | None | | **Ongoing Volunteer Hours** | 20 hours/year | None | | **Continuing Education** | 10 hours/year | None | | **Title/Certificate** | Iowa Master Gardener | Iowa Home Gardener Certificate | | **Community Impact** | Yes | No |
**Summary**
The ISU Garden Academy provides two distinct paths: the Master Gardener Volunteer Track is for those seeking certification, community involvement, and ongoing education, while the Iowa Home Gardener Track offers flexible, in-depth gardening education without volunteer obligations or formal certification. Both tracks provide high-quality, university-backed training, but only the Volunteer Track leads to the Iowa Master Gardener title and requires a sustained commitment to community service.
Applications for the fall Master Gardener volunteer track will open on July 14, and the deadline for purchasing a spot in the Iowa Home Gardener Track for the fall season is August 25. ISU Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Master Gardener Program are committed to providing high-quality horticulture information.
- Participants choosing the Home Gardener Track can purchase access to the same high-quality 10-week online gardening training offered in the Master Gardener Volunteer Track through the ISU Extension Store for $300.
- The Master Gardener Volunteer Track requires a one-time Garden Academy fee, a background check, and the completion of a 40-hour volunteer internship within one year, in addition to ongoing education and volunteer service to maintain certification.
- Upon completion of the Home Gardener Track, participants receive a certificate of completion as an Iowa Home Gardener rather than the Iowa Master Gardener title, making it a suitable choice for those seeking personal or professional development at a more flexible pace.
