The University of Illinois Master Gardener program is a prestigious designation to those enthusiastic individuals who have completed a minimum of 60 hours of training and agree to volunteer at least 60 hours back to the local University of Illinois Extension office. The program is open to any adult with an interest in plants and a desire to share that with others. Master Gardeners are a dedicated group and many choose to return year after year to share their knowledge with others.

Extension Educators and State Specialists with the University of Illinois provide the training for Master Gardeners. Classes are conducted once per week during the day, for an average of 6 hours per day (60 hours total) during the winter and spring. Class size may be limited due to space restrictions in some locations. Master Gardener training covers various home horticulture topics including:

• Vegetable Gardening
• Tree and Small Fruits
• Insects and Control
• Integrated Pest Management
• Landscaping
• Turfgrass Care
• Flower Gardening
• Plant Diseases
• Tree and Shrub Care
• Soils and Fertilizer
• Basic Botany

Master Gardeners also receive training to improve volunteer skills.

Once you have become a certified Master Gardener, you're eligible to attend other training programs and workshops. Think of it as getting your "Masters" in master gardening. These courses offer more technical information, laboratory and field work, and/or updates on gardening techniques and pest control.

In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer 60 hours of time to their local University of Illinois Extension office. A major part of this volunteer commitment is answering horticulture questions from local homeowners.

Other opportunities include working on plant clinic displays, assisting with mall or community center demonstrations, speaking to local groups, conducting workshops, and assisting with youth gardening projects during the summer.

The only guideline is that the projects be educational and concern horticulture. You will work with the local Extension Unit Leaders to determine how your volunteer time can best be spent.