Mills County Master Gardeners

05/29/2026

We were excited to partner with Mills County YMCA earlier this week to talk about gardening with their summer camp kids! The kids learned how gardening is good for us (physical/mental health, social connection, responsibility/stewardship), what plants need to grow, and how to put it into practice by planting a salsa garden!

They were able to plant tomatoes, peppers, and onions in the raised garden beds, as well as planted squash and zucchini in the ground. 🍅🌶️🧅

05/26/2026

Introducing our 2026 Summer Assistants! 🤩

On the left, Sydney Norrish, our Horticulture/Master Gardener Coordinator, is taking on some extra duties this summer to help prep for Summer Camps and the Mills County Fair!

On the right, Megan Wells is joining us for the second time! Megan just graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with her bachelor's degree and will be pursuing her master's degree in the fall. Megan grew up in Mills County 4-H and is excited to be back with Mills County Extension this summer after being with us two summers ago!

05/26/2026

Register now for this awesome program! More information below!

Register now for the Master Conservationist Program, coming this August-September in Mills and Fremont Counties! 📣

Master Conservationists are individuals that share an interest in the sustainability of Iowa's natural resources and in becoming better stewards of those resources. This program consists of approximately 12 hours of online curriculum and several in-person, in-the-field "field-trips" to local areas. Graduates of the course learn to make informed choices for leading and educating others to improve conservation in our area.

📅 Tuesdays, Aug. 4th-Sept. 15th
🕔 6:00 p.m. - ~8:30 p.m.
📍 Locations in both Mills and Fremont Counties
💵 Registration fee is $75 and includes all materials.
🔗 More information and registration details: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/mills/master-conservationist-program-coming-fall-2026

Fremont County Iowa Extension and Outreach Mills County Conservation Board

05/22/2026

If plant shopping is on your to-do list for the long weekend, a few quick tips can help you bring home plants that will thrive.

- Check the overall shape: Choose sturdy, compact plants, not tall or floppy ones. Spindly or lanky plants (especially annuals and vegetables) do not transplant well. Trees should have well-spaced branches with no double leaders.
- Look at condition and quality: A few brown leaf edges or minor spots are fine, but avoid plants with heavy leaf damage. Plants should be firm and upright, not limp or wilted. Trees and shrubs should not have broken branches or trunk damage.
- Check for insects, diseases, and weeds: Plants with these pests can negatively affect your new plant and/or other plants in your landscape.
- Do not be swayed by flowers: Blooms do not always mean a healthy plant and may be at peak, which means fewer blooms later in the season.

Taking a few extra minutes at the garden center can make a big difference once you get home. Get more plant shopping tips in this article: https://go.iastate.edu/KSWYWK

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach ISU Extension and Outreach - Agriculture and Natural Resources

05/21/2026

Join the Mills County Master Gardeners on June 13th at 10:00 a.m. to make Fairy Gardens! This will be held in the Block Building on the Fairgrounds. 🍀🧚‍♀️🌿

This workshop is open to ALL Clover Kids and 4-H Members to participate!

Register Here: https://forms.office.com/r/FeG7jybGz9

05/20/2026

05/20/2026

Sydney and Summit will be at the Glenwood Area Farmers Market tonight with plenty of gardening resources and tips! They would love to see you there!

05/20/2026

FYI!

05/15/2026

Let's plant smarter!

Callery Pear may look pretty, but it causes real problems in our landscapes. Serviceberry gives you spring flowers, edible fruit, fall color, and valuable support for birds and pollinators without the drawbacks.

Want to learn more about serviceberries? Check out the Yard and Garden webpage: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/serviceberries


Iowa State University Department of Horticulture

05/15/2026

Check out this awesome program that’s being offered this fall!

Join us this Fall! Registration is open now for the Master Conservationist Program.

The Master Conservationist Program provides hands-on learning experiences focused on Iowa’s diverse natural resources. Participants will learn about Iowa’s natural ecosystems and the various conservation challenges and opportunities that exist in the region.

📅 When: Tuesday's, August 4th-Septmeber 15th
🫵 Who: Anyone interested in Iowa's natural resources!
📍 Where: Locations in Mills and Fremont Counties
💵 Cost: $75, which includes all materials and online access.
🔗 More Information and How to Register: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/mills/master-conservationist-program-coming-fall-2026

Fremont County Iowa Extension and Outreach Mills County Conservation Board

05/12/2026

This past weekend, the Mills County Master Gardeners hosted our 26th annual plant sale. We had a great time meeting new people and seeing old friends. 😄

Thank you to all of those who supported us and made this event a success! Enjoy the newest additions to your yard and garden! 🪴