Master Gardeners

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.

What is a Master Gardener

About the program

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

When is the next training?

Our next hybrid training will be held weekly on Tuesdays from September 10 to December 3, 2024. This hybrid course includes 12 weeks of online materials combined with live sessions. The live sessions will take place on Tuesdays from 9am - noon at a location to be determined. 

Why become a Master Gardener?

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.

What qualifications must I meet?

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

What is the program fee?

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.

To become a Master Gardener

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.