Iowa Master Gardeners is offering a series of webinars to expand gardeners’ knowledge, introduce them to new topics, and connect them with experts from across the field. All ages and backgrounds are welcome to attend the free sessions. Attendees can choose to join in the Zoom room or on Facebook Live.

Previously recorded webinars are available at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/mastergardener/webinar-series as they become available. Subscribe to Iowa Master Gardeners’ YouTube to be notified when new recordings are available. 

The webinars are offered free to all participants. If you value this series and want to support Iowa Master Gardeners, to make a contribution to the program, visit the Iowa State University Foundation. 

The 2025 Series is held on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. CT. Register to join on Zoom and complete the Zoom registration form. To join on Facebook Live, visit the Facebook page.

January 9: Seed Starting – Beyond the Basics with Cindy Haynes (ISU Department of Horticulture)
This presentation will cover seed collection, processing, storage, and the basics of germinating seeds. Examples will include native perennial plants, woody plants, and annuals.

January 30: Shedding Some Light on Plant Lighting with Randall Vos (ISU Extension & Outreach)
Many gardeners use lighting during the winter and spring to assist with growing plants. While supplemental lighting can help plants, there are also some limitations. We’ll discuss the three main factors that impact plant lighting: the quality of light, the intensity of light, and how long you use lights each day. All of these factors can impact how effective your lighting program is. If you are looking to purchase lights, we will also discuss how the energy efficiency of light fixtures can vary and how this is an important factor to consider when purchasing lights.

February 6: Trees and Shrubs for the Home Landscape (difficult soil focus) with Jeff Iles (ISU Department of Horticulture)
A long-held assumption is that a well-designed home landscape, with appropriate and thriving plant materials, can add to the beauty and resale value of any home. But all too often, residential landscapes are not given the attention they deserve, and in the end, every landscape ends up looking the same…not very good. In this session, we will discuss adding new selections and old standards to “spruce up” the home landscape.

February 13: Blueberry Production for the Home Gardener with Randall Vos (ISU Extension & Outreach)
Blueberry consumption per capita has nearly doubled in the last decade, yet not many Iowa gardeners include blueberries in their home gardens. While blueberries do have specific soil needs, once those are met, they are often a fairly low-maintenance fruit crop with good longevity. This session emphasizes the major soil factors and amendments required for successful blueberry production. We will also discuss some of the major cultivars to try in our region and review some of the main cultural practices, such as pruning, that are key to success.

February 20: Perennial & Shrub Trials with David McKinney (Iowa Arboretum and Gardens)
We’ll kill it so you don’t have to! Introducing the new Perennial and Shrub Trial Program at the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens. Learn about how plants are put to the test in Iowa’s climate as well as evaluated for their landscape merits. Find out about many of our favorite plants so far, and hear about how you can get involved to share your opinions, your tastes, and help inform the industry about what you’d like to see more of in the future!

February 27: Roses for Iowa with Aaron Steil (ISU Extension & Outreach)
Roses are the quintessential garden plant.  They are beautiful, fragrant, and easy to grow – if you have all the right tips!  Learn about the care and maintenance of roses in Iowa and get introduced to some of the best rose varieties to grow in Iowa.

March 6: Shade Gardens with Tina Krug (ISU Department of Horticulture) 
Shade gardens create a fabulous opportunity for stunning plant combinations and comfortable outdoor spaces. Their limitations and restraints can also confuse and confound gardeners. This talk will build your confidence to tackle shady areas and create beautiful garden designs.

March 13: Slope/terrace Gardening with Jim Mason (DMACC Horticulture) 
Changes in elevation in the landscape can be a challenge to the gardener. Jim will talk about how we can turn these challenges into focal points and create intimate spaces not available when gardening on a flat site.

Source: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/mastergardener/webinar-series