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• Spring Gardening Workshop

  • When
    12 Feb 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Polk Extension Office 1625 Adventureland Dr. Suite A
  • Spaces left
    0

  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. 

  NOTE: No soup meal will be provided for this event.

  The Program Committee is asking for SIX volunteer to bring snacks for this event. Please use the Sign Up Genius link below.

  
  

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

  We will begin at 6:00 pm.

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

  • When
    12 Mar 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Polk Extension Office - 1625 Adventureland Dr. Suite A
  • Spaces left
    47
  • Registered
    53 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.

  
  

  
  

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• 2026 - Plant Propagation Lab, IPM, & Seed Starting 101

  • When
    23 Mar 2026
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Greater DM Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Spaces left
    45

  Register

  

  This event is for Master Gardeners (MGs) only. This event is required for new trainees for Spring 2026 MG Class. Up to 15 more slots for already active MGs. 

  GROUP A - Trainees_ Starts with Seed Starting 101, goes to Plant Propagation, then ends with IPM.

  GROUP B - Trainees _Starts with Plant Propagation, goes to IPM, then ends with Seed Starting 101.

  GROUP C - Active MGs _Starts with IPM, then goes to Seed Starting 101, ends with Plant Propagation

  Choose your group when you register. All groups will attend each session. The group determines where you begin and end. 

  Please remember your group assignment, when you arrive and check in we will also have the list with instructions.

  Overall lab descriptions:

  Master Gardener Trainees will have the opportunity to practice seed starting and propagation skills at the DM Botanical Gardens. This event is only open to Master Gardeners. There are 3 groups so please remember your group assignment, or look on your app, when you arrive. This counts as 1 of 3 required in-person sessions. 

  Sow Seeds and transplant basil in your kitchen window this winter! You can transplant what you grow next spring. 

  Training includes Integrated Pest Management Techniques, Watering and Soils/Potting Media, Sowing Seeds including Supplemental Lighting, Transplanting, "Watering in" transplants, and Care for you transplants at home, as well as Propagation where you can learn how to propagate leaf cuttings, divisions, and more!

  
  

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• Spring Kick Off PCMG Awards and Recognition

  • When
    9 Apr 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Polk Extension Office 1625 Adventureland Dr. Suite A
  • Spaces left
    40
  • Registered
    60 registrants

  Register

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

  Common Weeds & Earth Friendly Control

  Jeff Reiland, Permaculture Designer and owner of Abundant Design

  Learn about some of the common weeds in your yard and garden and how to safely remove them.

  You will also have a chance to learn about Abundant Design and Jeff’s efforts to help restore the quality of our waters, renew the fertility of our soils, and improve the health of our planet.

  This evening will include 2025 Awards and Recognition.

  Evening Agenda:

  5:30 p.m. Social Time
  5:57 p.m. Welcome
  6:00 p.m. Meal Time
  6:28 p.m. Introduction of Speaker
  6:30 p.m. Speaker 
  7:30 p.m. Break
  7:45 p.m. 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. 

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