

If you enjoy learning about gardening and like 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 role of 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.
The Illinois Master Gardener program is coordinated by University of Illinois Extension, with consultation from local program partners.
Our next hybrid training will be held weekly on Tuesdays from February 7 to April 18, 2023. This hybrid course includes 11 weeks of online materials combined with live sessions. The live sessions will take place on Tuesdays from 9am - noon at the Williamson County Extension office located at 1301 Enterprise Way, Suite 60, Marion, IL 62959. Registration for the course closes on February 1.
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:
The Illinois Master Gardener course fee is $200.
This fee covers:
After an application is received and accepted, you will be notified of your payment options.
1. Complete the Master Gardener volunteer application and submit it to your local U of I Extension office.
2. Attend an informal interview.
3. Pay $200 program fee, covering 11 weeks of instruction and Master Gardener manual.
4. Complete the 11 weeks of hybrid training.
5. Complete the 40-hour volunteer internship.
6. Continue to volunteer 20 hours each year and attend 10 hours of continuing education programs.