Who We Are

Do you enjoy gardening and would like to learn more? Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge with others? The Chicago Master Gardener Program may be for you. All you need is an interest in gardening, an open mind and a willingness to share your knowledge with others.

The Master Gardener adult volunteer program is nationwide. Master Gardeners are a vital link in getting horticulture information to the public through University of Illinois Extension offices.

Instruction

Attendance at all 11 Master Gardener training classes is required. The 2008 classes will be conducted on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from January 16-April 2 at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences at 3857 West 111th Street and at Garfield Park Conservatory at 300 North Central Park in Chicago. Instruction is also offered online. Call (773)233-0476 for information about the online Master Gardener Program.

Training

Master Gardeners participate in more than 60 hours of training on botany, vegetables, tree and small fruits, diseases, insects, soils, fertilizers, pruning, trees and flowers. The sessions are taught by University of Illinois specialists and Extension educators and are coordinated by local horticulture extension educators. The emphasis of the information is practical, yet research based. Students must pass a final comprehensive exam (all open book).

Cost

The only cost is $225 for the Master Gardener manual and supplemental handouts.

Scholarships are available.

In return for the training, Master Gardeners give back at least 60 hours of volunteer time to the Chicago Master Gardener Program within a year. Volunteering can take the form of answering questions from gardeners or working on special projects such as The Great Plant Escape, an indoor school gardening program, landscaping at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, serving as technical assistance for community and school gardens, worm composting, insect petting zoo, the Growing Connection/Earthboxes,the Lurie Garden, Taste of Chicago, the Chicago Bug Bash, Lincoln Park Zoo and Brookfield Zoo.

Applying

Applications are available for 2008 classes. Class size is limited. Each applicant will be required to go through an informal interview in December.

To apply, please fill out our online application form.