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 your volunteer time can best be spent.

For more information, in DeKalb County, call Connie at 815-758-8194. In Boone and Ogle counties, call Jan at 815-544-3710.

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

Highlights & Events

Gardener's Pathway & Artisan Market | Sycamore | Feb. 28

Hosted by the DeKalb County Master Gardeners. Grow your skills, spark your creativity, and connect with fellow plant lovers at this year's Gardening Workshop and Artisan Market—a full day designed for both new and experienced gardeners. Register here by February 14. What the day includes: continental breakfast, Keynote presentation by Mark Dwyer, three breakout sessions, lunch, and door prizes.

Introduction to Hydroponics | Oregon

Curious about growing plants without soil? Ready to explore a modern, efficient way to garden? Join us for an engaging workshop, Introduction to Hydroponics, presented by Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Bruce Black.

During this hands-on session, you’ll discover: what hydroponics is and how it works, which plants thrive in hydroponic systems, how to cultivate, maintain, and harvest your setup, and tips to get started at home. This program starts at 10 AM at the Rock River Center, Inc. in Oregon. The program fee is $10, and registration is required by calling 815-732-3252 to reserve your spot. We will give you all the supplies to "make and take" a canning jar hydroponic planter!

Gardening for Pollinators | Belvidere

Come out to the Ida Public Library, 320 N State Street, Belvidere, IL 61008, at 6 PM on March 5 for this vibrant program that shows how to create welcoming habitats for bees, butterflies, and other essential creatures that keep our ecosystems thriving. You’ll explore how to choose the right plants, design pollinator‑friendly spaces, and support local wildlife in ways that are both beautiful and beneficial. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this program offers practical tips that make a real difference. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature, boost biodiversity, and enjoy a garden that truly buzzes with life. Registration is required; call the library at 815-544-3838. This program is led by a certified Boone County Master Gardener.

Gardening with Native Plants | Belvidere

Are you passionate about green spaces, eager to learn new gardening skills, or curious about making native plants shine in your home landscape? Native plants are typically defined as vegetation growing wild in an undisturbed area at the time that scientific records began. Specific climate, soils, and other environmental factors define a plant's native range. Our area is fortunate enough to have a large diversity of both prairie and forest plants that call central Illinois home. In recent years, gardening with natives has become quite popular and often makes sense when considering the sustainability of our landscapes. This program is led by a certified Boone County Master Gardener. Join us for this free program on March 12 at 6 PM at the Ida Public Library, 320 N State St, in Belvidere. Registration is required by calling the library at 815-544-3838.

Swallowtails in Illinois | Belvidere

Calling all butterfly lovers and curious gardeners, on April 1 at 6 PM, the Ida Public Library in Belvidere is hosting this program. Join us for Swallowtails in Illinois, a vibrant and educational program presented by certified Boone County Master Gardeners! Discover the world of Illinois swallowtails and learn how to welcome these stunning pollinators into your own backyard. Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned grower, you’ll walk away inspired. What you’ll explore: Swallowtail identification, host and nectar plants that support them, life cycle insights, and more! Registration is required. Please call the library at 815‑544‑3838 to reserve your spot. This free, informative program is a wonderful way to bring more beauty and biodiversity to your garden. We’d love to see you there!

Beneficial Insects | Belvidere

Join us and discover how to make your garden a welcoming home for the insects that help it thrive. Led by a certified Boone County Master Gardener on April 28 at 6 PM at the Ida Public Library — 320 N State St, Belvidere, IL 61008. Not all insects we find in our gardens are pests. In fact, most aren’t pests at all. Across the world, 95% of all animals are invertebrates, and 80% of those are arthropods—a fancy word for bugs. That includes spiders, crustaceans, centipedes, millipedes, and insects. Many insects act as natural enemies to garden pests, pollinate our plants, and help keep ecosystems balanced. While some beneficial insects can be purchased, simple changes in how you manage your landscape can make it far more inviting to these helpful creatures and keep them around long‑term. During this program, you’ll learn about: Why beneficial insects are essential, how to identify garden-friendly bugs, landscape practices that attract natural enemies, and ways to support insect diversity in your yard. To reserve your spot: Call the Ida Public Library at 815‑544‑3838.