Master Gardeners

Who are Master Gardeners?

Master Gardeners are a part of Cook County Extension’s Horticulture program and a vital link to getting research-based horticultural information to the public. They are volunteers who are passionate about gardening, plants, community, teaching, and the environment. Delivering horticultural education is what they’re all about! Master Gardeners have no products or services to sell; they can provide unbiased, research-based information from the University of Illinois to the public. They serve youth and adults of all ages and backgrounds through free or low-cost public programming. 

Their mission is Helping Others Learn to Grow. Master Gardeners involve people in improving their quality of life by helping them find sound management practices for home and urban natural resources, by creating aesthetically pleasing environments, by promoting well-being through people-plant interactions, and by contributing to a safe, abundant food supply through home fruit and vegetable production.

There are three Master Gardener Programs for Cook County. These are Cook Chicago (within city limits), Cook North Suburban (north of Roosevelt Road), and Cook South Suburban (south of Roosevelt Road) units. Additionally, Chicago Botanic Garden runs a Master Gardener program. Master Gardeners must complete volunteering in the unit they apply.

What Do Master Gardeners Do?

To continue being certified active volunteers, MGs are required to volunteer a minimum of 20 hours each year and complete 10 hours of approved continuing education annually. Volunteers work in their communities teaching the public about horticulture topics. Please see the program request forms below to request programming!

Volunteers also run a year-round answer desk where you can ask your gardening questions.

Have a Gardening Question?

Email our Master Gardeners! Email questions to Chicago-MG@illinois.edu. Include photos when possible.

Share Your Love of Gardening

Become a Master Gardener

  • Cook County will be accepting Master Gardener (MG) volunteer applications after the Fall 2025 Online Illinois Gardener Training is completed.
  • The first step in becoming an MG volunteer is the successful completion of the Online Illinois Gardener Training Course. Coursework details are below.
  • The second step is the successful completion of three Cook County virtual (Zoom) lectures. You are eligible for the lectures if you are enrolled in the online training, and will receive an email with the registration information.
  • Cook County virtual lecture invitation will be emailed after the online course enrollment closes on August 18.
  • To learn more about the program and application process, please review the slides from our informational session.

Structure of the MG Program

Coursework

  • Online Illinois Gardener Training is a 12-module asynchronous course. Registration for the next Fall session will be open from July 1 to August 18. The course begins on September 15. Registration will be available starting on July 1 here: go.illinois.edu/IllinoisGardenerTraining
  • People who take this training either
    • want to learn about horticulture for their own personal knowledge.
      OR
    • want to learn about horticulture AND share that knowledge with their communities as MG volunteers.
  • You may register for the Online Illinois Gardener Training covering MG coursework without applying to be a volunteer.
  • There is a $300 fee for the course administered through the Illinois Extension State MG Program.
  • Applications for the Cook County MG volunteer program will open on January 5, 2026.
  • In conjunction with the state online training, Extension in Cook County offers virtual lectures via Zoom. Topics will include:
    • Landscape Design
    • Native Plants and Conservation@Home
    • Researching Plant Questions

Applying to be a Master Gardener Volunteer in Cook County

If you are interested in sharing your horticulture knowledge as an MG volunteer, you must

  • Complete the 12-module asynchronous Online Illinois Gardener Training.
  • Attend the virtual workshops offered by Cook County.
  • Apply to be interviewed.

Due to the large population of Cook County, the MG program is divided into three geographic areas: South Suburban, Chicago, and North Suburban. You are encouraged to apply in the area where you live.  Applying does not guarantee acceptance into the volunteer program. The application process includes an interview and background checks.

If you are selected for the MG volunteer program, you have two years to complete 40 hours of volunteer work as an intern at pre-approved sites determined by your local coordinator. To remain an active MG volunteer, 20 hours of volunteer work and 10 hours of Continuing Education are required yearly.

Reasonable Accommodations

If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this program or for more information, please e-mail uie-cook@mx.uillinois.edu.