Master Gardener Training

The mission of the Illinois Master Gardener program is “Helping Others Learn to Grow.” To become a Master Gardener all you need is an interest in gardening, time to volunteer in the community, and a desire to share your knowledge with others.

Master Gardener training, taught by University of Illinois Extension educators and specialists, emphasizes practical, research-based information.Training topics include: botany, annuals and perennials, soils, insects, woody ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, turf, integrated pest management, and wildlife. After the training program, Master Gardeners volunteer their time and expertise by sharing their horticulture skills with the community through garden projects, educational outreach and helping others learn to grow.

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2025 Master Gardener Training
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Self-Paced Online Training | $300
Winter/Spring 2025 | February 3-April 30 | Register by January 13
Summer 2025 | June 9-August 30 | Register by May 19
Fall 2025 | September 15-December 31 | Register by August 18
 
Hybrid Training | $175
Winter/Spring 2025 | Tuesdays | 9 a.m.-Noon | February 4-April 15
Register by January 27
In-person portion at Piatt County Extension (Monticello) or Decatur Public Library (Decatur) 
 
Fall 2025 | Tuesdays | 9 a.m.-Noon | September 9-November 25
Register by September 1
In-person portion at DeWitt County Extension Office (Clinton) or Macon County Extension (Decatur)  *Will not meet Nov 18
 

Volunteering

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Upon successful completion of training, volunteers log 40 hours as interns to become certified Master Gardener Volunteers. To remain certified, active Master Gardener Volunteers complete 10 hours of continuing education and volunteer 20 hours in approved projects yearly. Volunteer opportunities vary by county. 

Continuing Education Opportunities

colorado potato beetle

Pests & diseases in home landscapes

University of Illinois IPM Online Training Modules count for 0.5 CE hours per module.

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Monthly Continuing Education Series

Videos featuring a variety of Master Gardener related topics.

purple flowers with text overlay that reads Four Seasons Gardening

Four Seasons Gardening

Live and recorded webinars on a variety of horticulture topics perfect for expanding your knowledge base.

Volunteer & Continuing Education Hours

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

101 Mumford Hall (MC-710)

1301 W. Gregory Dr.

Urbana, IL 61801

Email: extension@illinois.edu

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