Who We Are

If you enjoy gardening and want to share your gardening knowledge, the 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.

Brief History

The Master Gardener program is an all-volunteer organization, sanctioned by the land-grant institution in each state, which functions as an extension of the college or university. In Illinois, the program is sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension.

How To Become A Master Gardener

Applicants are recruited and informally interviewed. Once accepted, attendance at all 11 Master Gardener training classes is required to complete the training. The training is offered one day a week generally from mid to late January to late March. Classes usually begin at 8:30am and conclude at 3:30pm. Weekly take-home tests are given along with a comprehensive final examination.

Training

Master Gardeners participate in more than 60 hours of classroom instruction on basic botany, soils, woodies, vegetables, herbaceous plants, fruits, insects, turf, plant pathology and pesticide safety. All classes are taught by University of Illinois Extension educators and campus specialists.

Volunteering

Following the training sessions, Master Gardener interns are required to complete a 60 hour internship through approved volunteer services which include preparing and staffing exhibits or displays, giving demonstrations or talks to local groups, answering home gardening questions in the Extension Office, serving on a Master Gardener committee, or volunteering in community horticulture projects.

Certified (Active) Master Gardener

To maintain certified University of Illinois Master Gardener status requires a minimum of 30 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of education annually and is valid for one year.

Applying

Applications may be made at any time. If a training session is already underway when an application is received, it will be kept on file for the following year's training. Our office offers the trainings every other year - in even number years. You may obtain a copy of the Application Form by calling our office or on the Master Gardener Internet Website.