Master Gardeners

What is the Master Gardener Program?

The mission of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program is "Helping Others Learn to Grow." The Master Gardener Program educates people about environmentally sound horticulture and gardening practices, provides educational programming when requested, and assists the general public with questions related to horticultural practices through a network of volunteers trained and managed by University of Illinois faculty and staff.

What volunteer services do Master Gardeners provide?

Volunteers participate in a variety of outreach and educational opportunities that are pre-approved by the Extension Unit to fulfill a 30-hour per year volunteer requirement. Our local Extension Unit provides horticultural presentations to public libraries, assists with school teaching gardens, hosts informational tables at Farmer’s Markets, participates in local community gardens that benefit community food pantries, helps provide guidance for native plants and gardening to local preserves, and many other exciting projects.

How do I become a Master Gardener?

To become a Master Gardener, you must submit an application to the Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit and complete an interview. Trainees who have been accepted into the program are required to complete background checks. Trainees must also complete a required Child Protection Course. For further details, click on the “Master Gardener brochure” under Public Resources given below. For current training options, click on “Become a Master Gardener” in the scroll bar below, or on the “Latest flyer/information for training” link given below. You may also wish to register on the Master Gardener Waiting List so that you can be notified of the next training program.