Who We Are

If you enjoy gardening and like to learn 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.

The task to the Master Gardeners is to share unbiased, reliable, research-based information with home landscapers and gardeners. Another important function is to encourage young people to enjoy the pleasures of flower and vegetable growing.

Brief History

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

Master Gardener Instruction

Attendance at all 11 Master Gardener training classes is required to complete the training. The training series is offered one day a week beginning January of current year through April. Each class usually begins at 9:00 am and concludes at 4:00 pm.

Training

Master Gardeners participate in more than 60 hours of training on botany, vegetables, lawn care, tree and small fruits, diseases, insects, soils, composting, pesticide safety, fertilizers, pruning, trees and flowers. The sessions are taught by University of Illinois specialists and Extension educators. Training is coordinated by area horticulture Extension educators.

Cost

There is a cost to the program which includes the Master Gardener manual and any additional training materials used. In return for the training, Master Gardeners give back at least 60 hours of volunteer time to Peoria County Extension. A minimum of 40 hours must be completed in the Extension office.

Volunteering

Applying

Applications will be taken through November.Class size is limited each year so applicants are required to go through an informal interview.