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. Master Gardeners share unbiased, research-based horticultural information with home landscapers and gardeners.

Brief History

The Master Gardener program is an all-volunteer organization, sanctioned by the University of Illinois Extension. To date, more than 100 Macoupin County residents have been trained through the program.

How To Become A Master Gardener

Applicants are recruited. Once accepted, attendance at all 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 or early April in Springfield and Decatur. Classes begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. 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, vegetables, soils, herbs, wildlife control, insects, turf grass, flowers, diseases, woody ornamentals, fruits, and pesticide safety. Comprehensive manuals and resource bulletins are utilized during these classes. All classes are taught by U of I Extension educators and campus specialists.

Cost

Master Gardener interns give back at least 60 hours of volunteer time to Macoupin County Extension. The program fee ($100) is partially refunded upon completion of the required volunteer hours.

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, serving on a Master Gardener committee, or representing the Master Gardener program on local radio talk shows.

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 are taken in November and December. Because there are not enough resources to accommodate everyone who applies for the program, class size is limited.