Master Gardeners

What is a Master Gardener?

The program is open to any adult with an interest in plants and a desire to share that with others. Master Gardeners are a dedicated group, and many choose to return year after year to share their knowledge with others. The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program is for enthusiastic individuals who have completed training and agree to volunteer at least 40 hours within two years at their local University of Illinois Extension office.

Certified Master Gardeners educate the public on topics such as improving landscapes, choosing plant varieties, water-saving tips, gardening tips, proper pest identification and management, growing their own produce, optimal mulching strategies, and composting. The only guideline is that the projects be educational and concern horticulture. You will work with the local Extension Unit Leaders to determine how best to spend your volunteer time.

Registration is currently open for the ONLINE hybrid Master Gardener Training starting June 30! Scroll to see more information. Or contact one of our Program Coordinators listed below.

Let us help you grow.

Call us for programming options.

Good Growing podcast episodes

Listen to the podcast episodes about horticulture, ecology, and design with Horticulture Educators Christopher Enroth and Ken Johnson.

Listen here

Title

Become a Master Gardener | Online Hybrid Training | June 8 through August 30

Self-paced, expert-led, and packed with plant science tailored to Illinois. Training lasts 14 weeks, with trainees completing 4 hours of weekly work from June 8 to August 30 in the comfort of your own home.

If you’re fascinated by everything that grows—and want to understand why it grows—this course is your next step. You’ll learn directly from University of Illinois specialists and Extension educators, with content tailored to Illinois’ unique climate, soils, insects, wildlife, and plant life.

What You’ll Learn:

-Botany & plant science

-Soil health & management

-Vegetables, fruits, flowers

-Trees, shrubs, and grasses

-Landscaping principles

-Insects, diseases, and diagnostics

And so much more!

Your training includes: videos, readings, quizzes, and a comprehensive manual. Most learners complete the course in about 14 weeks with ~4 hours per week, but you can take more time if needed.

After the Course: You’ll earn an Illinois Gardener Training Certificate of Completion. From there, you can: use your new knowledge in your own garden OR apply to become a Certified Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteer through your local county office. (Important note: Completing the online course alone does not grant the Master Gardener title. Volunteer acceptance varies by county and application cycle.)

For ages 18+!

$300 with printed (shipped to your address) + digital manual included

2026

Master Gardener Meeting Dates

February
5- Ogle County Master Gardener Meeting
10- DeKalb Master Gardener Meeting
17- DeKalb Garden Walk Committee Meeting
19- Boone County Master Gardener Meeting
6:00 PM at the Boone County Extension Meeting Room, 205 Cadillac Ct, Ste 5, Belvidere, IL 61008

March
5- Ogle County Master Gardener Meeting,
5:00 PM at Flagg-Rochelle Public Library, 619 4th Ave, Rochelle, IL 61068
10- DeKalb Master Gardener Meeting
10:00 AM via Zoom & the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 West Prairie Dr, Sycamore, IL 60178
17- DeKalb Garden Walk Committee Meeting (cancelled)
18- Gardener's Pathway Committee Meeting
10:00 AM via Zoom & the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 West Prairie Dr, Sycamore, IL 60178
19- Boone County Master Gardener Meeting
9:00 AM at the Boone County Extension Meeting Room, 205 Cadillac Ct, Ste 5, Belvidere, IL 61008

April
2- Ogle County Master Gardener Meeting
Ogle County Extension Office, 421 W Pines Rd, Ste 10, Oregon, IL 61061
14- DeKalb County Master Gardener Meeting
6:00 PM on Zoom and at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 W Prarie Dr, Sycamore, IL 60178
16- Boone County Master Gardener Meeting
6:00 PM at the Boone County Extension Meeting Room, 205 Cadillac Ct, Ste 5, Belvidere, IL 61008
21- Garden Walk Committee Meeting
9:00 AM via Zoom & in-person
22- Gardener's Pathway Committee Meeting
10:00 AM via Zoom and the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 West Prairie Dr, Sycamore, IL 60178

May
7- Ogle County Master Gardener Meeting (revised location),
5:00 PM at Ogle County Extension office, 421 W Pines Rd, #10, Oregon, IL 61061
19- Garden Walk Committee Meeting
9:00 AM via Zoom & in-person, DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 West Prairie Dr, Sycamore, IL 60178
20- Gardener's Pathway Committee Meeting
10:00 AM via Zoom and the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 West Prairie Dr, Sycamore, IL 60178
21- Boone County Master Gardener Meeting
6:00 PM at the Boone County Extension Meeting Room, 205 Cadillac Ct, Ste 5, Belvidere, IL 61008

June
4- Ogle County Master Gardener Meeting
Ogle County Extension Office, 421 W Pines Rd, Ste 10, Oregon, IL 61061
18- Boone County Master Gardener Meeting
9:00 AM at the Boone County Extension Meeting Room, 205 Cadillac Ct, Ste 5, Belvidere, IL 61008

July
9- Ogle County Master Gardener Meeting,
5:00 PM at Flagg-Rochelle Public Library, 619 4th Ave, Rochelle, IL 61068
16- Boone County Master Gardener Meeting
6:00 PM at the Boone County Extension Meeting Room, 205 Cadillac Ct, Ste 5, Belvidere, IL 61008

August
6- Ogle County Master Gardener Meeting
Ogle County Extension Office, 421 W Pines Rd, Ste 10, Oregon, IL 61061
20- Boone County Master Gardener Meeting
9:00 AM at the Boone County Extension Meeting Room, 205 Cadillac Ct, Ste 5, Belvidere, IL 61008

September
3- Ogle County Master Gardener Meeting,
5:00 PM at Flagg-Rochelle Public Library, 619 4th Ave, Rochelle, IL 61068
17- Boone County Master Gardener Meeting
6:00 PM at the Boone County Extension Meeting Room, 205 Cadillac Ct, Ste 5, Belvidere, IL 61008

October
1- Ogle County Master Gardener Meeting
Ogle County Extension Office, 421 W Pines Rd, Ste 10, Oregon, IL 61061
15- Boone County Master Gardener Meeting
9:00 AM at the Boone County Extension Meeting Room, 205 Cadillac Ct, Ste 5, Belvidere, IL 61008

November
5- Ogle County Master Gardener Meeting,
5:00 PM at Flagg-Rochelle Public Library, 619 4th Ave, Rochelle, IL 61068
19- Boone County Master Gardener Meeting
6:00 PM at the Boone County Extension Meeting Room, 205 Cadillac Ct, Ste 5, Belvidere, IL 61008

December
3- Ogle County Master Gardener Meeting
Ogle County Extension Office, 421 W Pines Rd, Ste 10, Oregon, IL 61061
17- Boone County Master Gardener Meeting
5:00 PM TBD