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

Highlights & Events

Beneficial Insects | Belvidere | April 30 | UPDATED Date!

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 30 at 6 PM at the Ida Public Library — 320 N State St, Belvidere, IL 61008. Before you get out the bug spray to battle those pesky insects in your garden this year, join us for an educational program to learn about beneficial insects—and how to encourage them to visit your garden! Not all insects we find in our gardens are pests. In fact, most aren’t pests at all. During this program, you’ll learn about: Ladybugs, Green Lace Wing Larva (aka: the Aphid Lion), Hover Flies, Praying Mantis...and more! To reserve your spot: Call the Ida Public Library at 815‑544‑3838 or register online here.

Native Alternatives for Landscaping Grasses and Sedges | Belvidere | May 4

Sustainable landscaping starts with the plants we choose. Join us for an engaging and informative program designed for anyone who wants to incorporate more environmentally friendly practices into their work and home spaces. This free program highlights the benefits of using native grasses and sedges—plants that support local ecosystems, require fewer resources, and thrive naturally in our region. The program will be led by a certified Boone County Master Gardener at the Ida Public Library, 320 N State St in Belvidere, on May 4, at 6 PM. Register here!

Gardening with Native Plants | Stillman Valley | May 7

Native plants aren’t just beautiful—they play a vital role in supporting local ecosystems by providing food and shelter for native wildlife. Join Ogle County Master Gardener Phil Bratta for an informative session covering the essentials of gardening with native plants. Whether you're new to native gardening or looking to deepen your knowledge, this program offers practical insights you can use right away. This free program takes place on May 7 at 6 PM at the Julia Hull Library, 100 Library Lane, Stillman Valley, IL 61084. Call the library to register, 815-645-8611.

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
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,
5:00 PM at Flagg-Rochelle Public Library, 619 4th Ave, Rochelle, IL 61068
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

Read Agendas & Minutes

March
5- Ogle County Master Gardener Meeting Agenda
5- Ogle County Master Gardener Meeting Minutes
10- DeKalb County Master Gardener Meeting Agenda
10- DeKalb County Master Gardener Meeting Minutes
18- Gardener's Pathway Committee Meeting Agenda
18- Gardener's Pathway Committee Meeting Minutes
19- Boone County Master Gardener Meeting Agenda

February
5- Ogle County Master Gardener Meeting Agenda
5- Ogle County Master Gardener Meeting Minutes
10-DeKalb Master Gardener Meeting Agenda
17- Garden Walk Committee Meeting Agenda
19- Boone County Master Gardener Meeting Agenda
19- Boone County Master Gardener Meeting Minutes