Master Gardeners

The Illinois Master Gardener program is coordinated by University of Illinois Extension, with consultation from local program partners.

We have not yet determined when the next Master Gardener training will take place. If you are interested in the program, please feel free to reach out to Anne Townsend at cupquake@illinois.edu to let us know you are interested in taking the training. 

Online Illinois Gardener training is available. Training dates for 2025 are below. Visit extension.illinois.edu/mg/online-illinois-gardener-training for more information.

Winter/Spring 2025 – course runs February 3-April 30. Registration closes 1/13/2025.

Summer 2025 – course runs June 9-August 30. Registration closes 5/19/2025.

Fall 2025 – course runs September 15-December 31. Registration closes 8/18/2025.

The mission of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program is "Helping Others Learn to Grow." Master Gardeners involve people in improving the quality of life by helping them find sound management practices for home and urban natural resources, by creating aesthetically pleasing environments, by promoting well-being through people-plant interactions and horticultural therapy, and by contributing to a safe, abundant food supply through home fruit and vegetable production.

Anyone can become a Master Gardener - it does not require a degree or years of experience. You do, however, need to:  

• have some knowledge or experience in gardening or landscape management (you need not be an expert)
• be willing to learn about horticulture and share this knowledge with others
• be willing to volunteer time conducting horticulture education programming coordinated through your local Extension unit
• agree to abide by University of Illinois Extension's volunteer policies

The Illinois Master Gardener course fee is $200.

This fee covers:

• 11-week training, including over 60 hours of classroom instruction and field learning.
• Assistance in finding a volunteer position that fits your personal interests, abilities, and time restraints for as long as you remain a Certified Master Gardener.
• Continuing-education events and opportunities.

After an application is received and accepted, you will be notified of your payment options.

1. Complete the Master Gardener interest form and submit it to Anne Townsend via email at cupquake@illinois.edu or mail to 521 E Vienna Street, Anna, IL 62906.

2. Attend an informal interview.

3. Complete a background screening process, which will take place through an online system called the Volunteer Gateway. This background screening includes:

• CANTS check through DCFS
• Background screening through Sterling Volunteers
• Registered sex offender check
• Extension Child Protection Training
• 3 reference checks

4. Complete required paperwork, like a risk waiver, photo release, code of conduct, and annual agreement.

5. Pay $200 program fee.

6. Complete the training.

After completing the training, participants will be Master Gardener interns. To become fully certified, you must volunteer 40 hours through pre-approved volunteer projects. Volunteer projects can include assisting at food donation gardens, herbarium specimen preparation, pollinator garden maintenance, assisting with educational programs for youth or adults, and much more.

Following the completion of an internship, participants are certified Master Gardeners. To remain active, volunteers must complete and log 20 hours of volunteer time and 10 hours of continuing education each year, as well as sign an annual agreement. Continuing education is continued learning from research-based sources on topics related to the natural world. Examples include webinars offered by University of Illinois Extension, talks from local nature groups, and more.