Become A Master Gardener

Join the Master Gardener Team!

Volunteers learn about plant diseases through class, but also by answering questions from the public with some coaching.
Master Gardener trainees receive hands-on learning and make site visits like the Parkland greenhouse as part of the training.
Learn about the anatomy and physiology of flowers during the dissection lesson in botany class.
A class team project allows volunteers to work together on garden design and implementation.

Paperwork Requirements

Once accepted, all Master Gardener trainees are required to complete a full, confidential background check. This includes completion of the Volunteer Application, an interview, a volunteer agreement form, a DCFS CANTS check, our risk and release form, and a Sterling Background check, and a name check against the National Sex Offender Website. Trainees must also complete a required Child Protection Course. Not all background histories will disqualify folks from participating.

Active/Certified Master Gardeners

Master Gardener Annual Agreement
Report Master Gardener Volunteer Hours - Online
Renewed background check paperwork every 5 years.

To Report Volunteer Hours

Report Master Gardener Volunteer Hours - Online

Volunteer Training Options

Our next Master Gardener volunteer training will take place in 2023. Please feel free to fill out an interest form in the meantime and we will reach out to you when we are interviewing for class. We cannot guarantee all these options will be available next year. Online at your own pace is the most likely format for 2023 training.

Face-to-face training: In-person classes are typically held once a week for 11 weeks, beginning at the end of January. Classes are taught by live instructors in a classroom or outdoor setting with field trips to Master Gardener projects and local greenhouses.
Trainees will have at 2-3 hours of independent study to do prior to the weekly session. During sessions, trainees participate in a live presentation presented by Extension Educators and Horticulture experts. The class will be limited to a small number of students. Seats are reserved upon receipt of payment and registration forms which include a background check. Fee includes Master Gardener Manual-a great resource for gardening in Illinois!
Online training: For those unable to attend the traditional face-to-face training, an online, self-guided course is available to take from the comfort of home at your own pace.
Hybrid training: Some Master Gardener classes have been able to offer a hybrid option, where sprouts will meet some in-person in the classroom, have some online at-your-own-pace, and have some in-the-field classroom activities. Speak with your county office to find out if this is an option.
Non-Volunteer Option is also available for those interested in learning the horticulture material from our training course, but not intending to become a Master Gardener volunteer.
- Read more about the online training program on the course welcome page

What will you learn? Classes are taught by University of Illinois Extension educators and horticulture specialists. Topics include botany, soils, vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees and shrubs, grasses, landscaping, insects, native and invasive species, and diseases.

Apply by County

Apply in Champaign County

Find out more about the Champaign County Master Gardeners here.

To become a Master Gardener, you start by submitting an interest form. After the local coordinator reviews the application, you will be contacted for an informal interview. Interviews will begin in November/December 2022. The deadline to apply is January 5, 2023.

Take the first step and apply online or you can download, print, and mail the application. (If you choose to mail, please send the application to Tabitha Elder at Champaign County University of Illinois Extension Office, 801 Country Fair Drive, Champaign, IL 61821). Next Training starts January/February 2023.

Once you submit this interest form:

The Master Gardener Program Coordinator will contact you for an informal interview. You can expect to receive an email requesting an interview in November/December 2022.
When accepted into the program, you will be asked to complete 6 forms as required by the State Master Gardener program.
You will then receive final registration and course information. The fee for Champaign County's Master Gardener class is $300 for the online at-your-own-pace. Financial assistance may be available on a request basis. Payment is not due until after the interview. Please wait for further instructions.
Completing all of the courses (60 hours of instruction at 4-6 hours per week on average), and 40 hours of volunteering as an intern within 2 years of finishing the course are mandatory in order to become a certified active Master Gardener.
To maintain certification in subsequent years, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of volunteer activities annually.
There is a personal/professional development option. People on this path will not be allowed to volunteer as a Master Gardener or use the Master Gardener title. They may list the Master Gardener course as education on a resume.

Apply in Ford - Iroquois Counties

Find out more about the Ford - Iroquois County Master Gardeners here.

To become a Master Gardener, you start by submitting an interest form. After the local coordinator reviews the application, you will be contacted for a brief interview.

We are offering online at your own pace training for Ford - Iroquois Master Gardener Training in 2023.

Take the first step and apply online or you can download, print, and mail the application . (If you choose to mail, please send the application to Jenney Hanrahan at Vermilion County University of Illinois Extension Office, 3164 North Vermilion, Danville, IL 61832). Next Training starts January 2022.

Once you submit this interest form:

The Master Gardener Program Coordinator will contact you for a meeting.
When accepted into the program, you will be asked to complete volunteer screening paperwork (required documents below) as required by the State Master Gardener program.
You will then receive the final registration and course information. Need Based Financial Assistance is Available.
MG Training classes and 40 hours of volunteer time must be completed in order to become a certified active Master Gardener. Volunteers have 2 years to complete their internship.
To maintain certification in subsequent years, you must complete and report 10 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of volunteer activities annually.

Apply in Vermilion County

Find out more about the Vermilion County Master Gardeners here.

We are offering online at your own pace training for Vermilion Master Gardener Training in 2023.

To become a Master Gardener, you start by submitting an interest form. After the local coordinator reviews the application, you will be contacted for a brief interview.

Once you submit this interest form:

The Master Gardener Program Coordinator will contact you for a meeting.
When accepted into the program, you will be asked to complete volunteer screening paperwork (required documents below) as required by the State Master Gardener program.
You will then receive the final registration and course information. Need Based Financial Assistance is Available.
MG Training classes and 40 hours of volunteer time must be completed in order to become a certified active Master Gardener. Volunteers have 2 years to complete their internship.
To maintain certification in subsequent years, you must complete and report 10 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of volunteer activities annually.

What our Master Gardeners say

“Wonderful way to meet people with similar interests while doing
something you enjoy.” – Kathy

“I am so grateful to have been able to attend this class.” – Janet