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Polk County Master Gardeners

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Polk County

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Events

The Polk County Master Gardeners host events throughout the growing season to provide educational opportunities to the community. Each year we host a few signature events, as well as other pop-up events throughout the spring/summer. 

Garden Tour


Our next Garden Tour is in the Works! Check out extraordinary gardens created by ordinary people across the county in this educational event! Check out more information on our 2024 Garden Tour page. 


Bus Trips

Take a charter bus to explore nearby gardens and sites in Central Iowa and beyond! Read more and register on this page. 


Ask a Master Gardener


Visit us at the Downtown Des Moines and Beaverdale Farmers' Markets during the growing season! Come with your burning questions, or check out timely gardening information you can use at home. 


Don't Miss out!

Check our page often for pop-up events, summer lecture programs, and more!

Upcoming events

  • Winter Sowing with Kay Oliver & Stephanie Harrington

    • 8 Jan 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Polk County Extension Office, 1625 Adventureland Dr., Suite A, Altoona Ia 50009
    Register

    Polk County Master Gardener Program Committee Winter Event

    Don’t put your green thumb away this winter. Polk County Master Gardeners, Kay Oliver and Stephanie Harrington, will talk you through a step-by-step plan on how to do Winter Sowing and Seed Starting Indoors. They will cover all things to consider when doing winter sowing such as when to plant, what type of equipment you will need, maintenance needed though the winter months and when to transplant. Discover the benefits of sowing seeds outdoors in the winter!

    Join Polk County Master Gardeners for an evening of learning and fun!  Master Gardeners and non-Master Gardeners are welcome. Master Gardeners receive 2.5 hours of education for attending. This event is open to the public. 

    The Program Committee is asking for seven volunteers to bring soup for the evening.  Please use the link below to register on the Sign Up Genius.

    Participants are asked to bring a side or dessert for this event. 

      Please bring your own drink container.
    Water and coffee will be provided.

    The meal will begin at 6 p.m. and our speakers will begin at 6:30 p.m.

    Sign Up!
    Show details

  • Sarah Woods: Garden Goals

    • 29 Jan 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Polk Extension Office 1625 Adventureland Dr. Suite A
    • 97
    • 3 registrants
    Register

    Program: Sarah Woods: Garden Goals

    January 29, 2026

    Join Polk County Master Gardeners for an evening of learning and fun!  Master Gardeners and non-Master Gardeners are welcome. Master Gardeners receive 2.5 hours of education for attending. 

    This event is open to the public. 

    The Program Committee is asking for seven volunteers to bring soup for the evening.  Please use the link below to register on the Sign Up Genius.

    Participants are asked to bring a side or dessert for this event. 

      Please bring your own drink container.
    Water and coffee will be provided.

    The meal will begin at 6 p.m. and our speakers will begin at 6:30 p.m.

    Sign Up!

    Show details

  • Spring Gardening Workshop

    • 12 Feb 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Polk Extension Office 1625 Adventureland Dr. Suite A
    • 97
    Register

    Spring Garden Workshop- February 12, 2026

    Join Polk County Master Gardeners for an evening of learning and fun!  Master Gardeners and non-Master Gardeners are welcome. This event is new this year in the hands on format similar to the Fall Gardening Workshops but focuses on Spring Garden topics of interest. Come and explore, gain inspiration and joy as you dream of getting hands dirty again in the garden! 20 min Presentation to start- topic TBD.

    Table topics:

    Seed Starting Station- Participants plant vegetable or flower seeds in biodegradable pots. Focus: germination basics, soil mix, watering techniques.

    Composting & Soil Health Table- Mini compost bin demo with food scraps, leaves, and soil. Focus: how compost enriches spring garden beds and reduces waste.

    Pollinator-Friendly Planting -Showcase native wildflowers and herbs that attract bees and butterflies. Focus: biodiversity, pollinator habitat creation.

    Herb Garden in Containers- Hands-on planting of herbs like basil, parsley, and mint in small pots. Focus: container gardening for patios and small spaces.

    Mulching & Moisture Retention Demo- Compare soil samples with and without mulch. Focus: conserving water and protecting spring seedlings.

    IPM - Pest Control- Demonstrate companion planting (e.g., marigolds with tomatoes). Focus: eco-friendly ways to reduce pests without chemicals. Good cultural practices for the garden.

    Seedling Transplant vs. Direct Sow- Hands-on activity moving seedlings from starter trays into larger pots. Resource list of what to direct sow and what to plant as transplants. Focus: reducing transplant shock and proper handling.

    Garden Planning & Layout Table- A variety of garden goals, plans, and journals to share- or make your own garden journal and record your progress.

    Wildlife-Friendly Garden Features- Demo bird bath, insect hotel, or log pile for beneficial critters. Focus: integrating habitat into spring gardens for balance.

     Master Gardeners receive 2.0 hours of education for attending. This event is open to the public. The Program Committee will be providing snacks for this event. 

      Please bring your own drink container.
    Water and coffee will be provided.

    We will begin at 6:30 p.m.

    Show details

  • Tivon Feeley: What's Wrong with My Tree?

    • 12 Mar 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Polk Extension Office - 1625 Adventureland Dr. Suite A
    • 98
    • 2 registrants
    Register

    Program: Tivon Feeley

    "What's Wrong with My Tree?  A Hands-On Look at Iowa's Tree Decline Cases"

    March 12, 2026

    From mysterious dieback to sudden leaf loss, tree decline can have many causes.  In this interactive presentation, we'll review a variety of tree health issues reported to the Iowa DNR. Attendees will have the opportunity to diagnose problems, share experiences, and discuss effective management strategies to promote healthier urban and rural trees across the state.  Please email Tivon Feeley any tree issues prior to the event if you would like them included. 

    Join Polk County Master Gardeners for an evening of learning and fun!  Master Gardeners and non-Master Gardeners are welcome. Master Gardeners receive 2.5 hours of education for attending. 

    This event is open to the public. 

    The Program Committee is asking for seven volunteers to bring soup for the evening.  Please use the link below to register on the Sign Up Genius. Participants are asked to bring a side or dessert for this event. 

      Please bring your own drink container.
    Water and coffee will be provided.

    The meal will begin at 6 p.m. and our speakers will begin at 6:30 p.m.


    Sign Up!

    Show details

  • Spring Kick Off PCMG Awards and Recognition

    • 9 Apr 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Polk Extension Office 1625 Adventureland Dr. Suite A
    • 77
    • 23 registrants
    Register

    This evening is to celebrate all the accomplishment of 2025! There will be special awards and dinner is provided. 

    Education Session is TBD soon. This evening will include 2025 Awards and Recognition.

    Evening Agenda:

    6-6:30 dinner & social time

    6:30 p.m. Speaker TBD  (earn 1 hour of education)

    7:30 p.m. Break

    7:40 Awards and Celebration. In addition to the MG Special Awards, folks with milestone MG years will be honored.

    This event is open to the public. Please bring family and friends! Master Gardeners and non-Master Gardeners are welcome. Master Gardeners receive 1 credit CEU for attending. 

    UPDATE: The Program Committee will be supplying the main course  for this event, as well as coffee and water.  Please plan to bring your favorite dessert to share for this event.  

    Let's keep it green, please bring your own reusable water bottle. 

    Show details

Contact Us
Office: 515-957-5768
polkmg@iastate.edu

ISU Extension and Outreach, Polk County:
1625 Adventureland Dr.
Suite A | Altoona, IA 50009

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, visit Iowa State Extension Legal

© Polk County Master Gardeners 2025

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