A master gardeners class will be held in Marion County this fall.

The Marion County Extension Office announced they are accepting applications for the three-month course, which will teach gardeners the best practices for choosing plants, designing gardens, and managing pests.

Once the course is completed, trainees must then complete 40 hours of volunteer service within their community to earn the official title of master gardener.

Those interested in applying for the course can contact their Marion County Extension office. Application deadline is Aug. 10, 2015, as space is limited. Accepted participants will be notified by Sept. 11, 2015. The three-month course fee is $195. The class will begin on September 29th.

Master Gardener core training course is provided by local ISU Extension and Outreach offices on Tuesdays evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., starting September 29 through November 17, and one Saturday daytime class on 24 at Iowa State University in Ames.

For more information, contact: Karen Ackley, Marion County Master Gardener Coordinator, Marion County Extension Office, 641-842-2014, kackley@iastate.edu.