Master Gardeners are members of the local community who take an active interest in growing flowers, vegetables, fruits, shrubs, trees and lawns. An upcoming training will be held to train new master Gardener this fall. Enrollment is due Friday September 11 without an additional late fee.

Master Gardener trainees attend 40 hours of classes taught by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach staff and specialists in topics ranging from lawn care; flower and vegetable gardening; ornamental trees and shrubs; fruit crops and houseplants to insect, disease and weed control; soil; plant nutrition and pesticide safety.

In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer 40 hours of service to the local extension program. “Their service opportunities are wide-ranging,” said Striegel. Master Gardeners answer telephone request for gardening information, staff plant clinics or displays, speak to local groups, and plan or assist with other horticulture activities.

To sign up for the next Master Gardener training in Oskaloosa, to be held September – November of 2015, contact the Mahaska County Extension and Outreach office, 212 North I Street, Oskaloosa or by phone 641-673-5841 or email striegel@iastate.edu. Or, visit their website at www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska.