Master Gardener Details

What is the Master Gardener Program?

The University of Illinois Master Gardener program is an educational volunteer training program.

Who Are Master Gardeners?

Master Gardeners are adult members of the local community who are interested in lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, gardens, and the environment. They come from all walks of life. You can become a Master Gardener if you are willing to learn about horticulture and share that research based information with others, are accepted into a local Master Gardener training program, and can volunteer at least 60 hours through your local University of Illinois Extension office.

What Training Will You Receive?

Extension Educators and state specialists with University of Illinois Extension provide the Master Gardeners' training. Classes are offered throughout the year, and Master Gardeners receive 60 hours of training. Class size may be limited due to space restrictions in some locations.

Master Gardeners receive training to improve horticultural and volunteer skills. Training sessions are adapted to local conditions and are based on community needs.

Master Gardener training covers home horticulture topics including:

• Vegetable Gardening
• Tree and Small Fruits
• Horticulture Insect Control
• Integrated Pest Management
• Plant Disease Control
• Turfgrass Management
• Herbaceous Ornamentals
• Tree and Shrub Care
• Soils and Fertilizer
• Basic Botany
• Volunteering Basics

Commitment

Participants volunteer a minimum of 60 hours of time to their local University of Illinois Extension office. Each office has various volunteer opportunities such as answering questions, working on plant clinic displays, assisting with mall or community center demonstrations and demonstration gardens, 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 gardening related. You will work with the local office or horticulture educator to determine how your volunteer time is best spent.

Master Gardeners are an integral part of the University of Illinois outreach program. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners are expected to follow the recommendations of University of Illinois Extension.

How Can I Sign Up?

Call your local University of Illinois Extension office for more information. Due to class size and space restrictions, an interview may be necessary. A fee may be charged for materials.

Logan County has local training sessions every two years in the fall of even years. Training may also be taken in surrounding locations during the January through April time frame.