Master Gardeners

If you enjoy learning about gardening and like to share your gardening knowledge, the Master Gardener program may be for you. All you need is an interest in gardening, an open mind, and a willingness to share your knowledge with others. The role of the Master Gardeners is to share unbiased, reliable, research-based information with home landscapers and gardeners. Another important function is to encourage young people to enjoy the pleasures of flower and vegetable growing.

Master Gardener volunteers work on behalf of and under the supervision of University of Illinois Extension. Volunteers are required to report to their local Master Gardener coordinator about all planned activities prior to conducting the program. While most volunteer work is conducted in the local Extension unit, some projects involve interagency interaction with parks and recreation departments, nursing homes, school gardening projects or other city agencies. One project that is currently underway is the Cultivating Care Donation Garden in Marion!

Become a Master Gardener

The Illinois Master Gardener program is coordinated by University of Illinois Extension, with consultation from local program partners.

Why become a Master Gardener?

The mission of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program is "Helping Others Learn to Grow." Master Gardeners involve people in improving the 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 horticultural therapy, and by contributing to a safe, abundant food supply through home fruit and vegetable production.

When is the next training?

Summer Training (Online)
The online summer course runs June 10- September 30 with group Zoom meetings on June 10, July 8, and August 5.

Registration will begin on April 1 and close on May 20.

Fall Training (Hybrid)
Our next Fall hybrid training will be held each Tuesday from September 10 to December 3. This hybrid course includes 12 weeks of online materials combined with live sessions.

Live sessions will take place on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. - noon at the Williamson County Extension Office (1301 Enterprise Way, Suite 60, Marion, IL 62959).

If you have questions about summer or fall training, please contact Kim Rohling at kimrohli@illinois.edu.

What are the expectations of a volunteer?

To be an active Master Gardener, you must remain current in annual educational updates - a minimum of 10 hours, and volunteer service hours - a minimum of 20 hours, required by the local program. We ask that volunteers abide by the Master Gardener policies. Thank you for all you do for your communities!

What is the program fee?

The Illinois Master Gardener online option is $300.

This fee for the course covers:

  • 14-module training, including over 60 hours of classroom instruction and field learning.
  • Assistance in finding a volunteer position that fits your personal interests, abilities, and time restraints for as long as you remain a Certified Master Gardener.
  • Continuing-education events and opportunities.

After an application is received and accepted, you will be notified of your payment options.

What are the steps to join?

1. Download and complete an application packet and submit it to your local Illinois Extension office.

2. Attend an informal interview.

3. Pay program fee, covering online instruction and Master Gardener manual.

4. Complete the training.

5. Complete the 40-hour volunteer internship.

6. Continue to volunteer 20 hours each year and attend 10 hours of continuing education programs.

A sunflower

Policies and Guidelines

After reviewing the Master Gardener Policies, volunteers should complete the Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct each year.

Volunteer

Master Gardener volunteers must stay active in the program by investing their time and talents in local volunteer opportunities. Use the Givepulse Website to track and report your hours.

For More Information