Master Gardener

The Master Gardener program is an all-volunteer organization sanctioned by the land-grant institution in each state and functions as an extension of the college or university. In Illinois, this program is sponsored by University of Illinois.

Master Gardeners are adults of all ages who love gardening and who have previous gardening experience. You can become a Master Gardener if
- you have some knowledge or experience in gardening or landscape management
(you need not be an expert)
- you are willing to learn share horticulture information with others, and
- you are accepted into a local training program and can volunteer time conducting
horticultural educational programming coordinated through your local Extension unit.

University of Illinois Extension appreciates the trained Master Gardener volunteers who help meet the constant demand for horticultural information by citizens of our state. There are currently more than 3,500 Master Gardener volunteers in Illinois.

Master Volunteer Soil Health Book Study list for 2023

Master Volunteer Unit Wide Meetings 2023

Core Education Schedule June 2023

Steps for Joining

For those wanting to become a Master Gardener volunteer, the University of Illinois requires each applicant to complete an application, background screening paperwork and schedule an interview with Extension staff. The fee to participate is $250 and covers classroom sessions, handouts, and the Master Gardener manual.

Upon completion of the Master Gardener training, graduates who have selected the volunteer option will become Master Gardener Interns and have 2 years to complete 40 volunteer service hours to become an Active Master Gardener.

To continue as an Active Master Gardener, volunteers must fulfill 20 volunteer hours and 10 continuing education hours annually.

For more information about the education only option contact Tara Heath tsheath@illinois.edu

Meeting Schedule

Fulton and Mason County Master Gardener Meetings

3rd Tuesday at 6 p.m., location varies. If you have questions please contact the local office.

Peoria County Master Gardener Meetings

3rd Wednesday, social time 12:30 p.m., program at 1 p.m., membership meeting at 2 p.m. If you have questions please contact Jennifer Bass.

Public is welcome to join us for the educational program.

Location is typically the University of Illinois Extension office in Peoria.

Tazewell County Master Gardener Meetings

4th Monday at (5:30 p.m. social) 6 p.m. - March through November. If you have any questions please contact Janine Donahue.

Location is typically the University of Illinois Extension office in Pekin.

About Our Program

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.

What Qualifications Must I Meet?

Anyone can become a Master Gardener - it does not require a degree or years of experience. You do, however, need to:

Have a sincere desire to learn and share horticulture information within your community
Be able to communicate effectively
Be willing to devote time to volunteering and continuing education

What Does the Training Involve?

Training sessions are typically offered one day a week over a three-month period and are led by expert educators in the region. Approximately 60 hours of classroom instruction and field study and 60 hours of volunteer internship work are required to complete the program and become certified. In order to remain a certified Master Gardener, 30 hours of volunteer work and 10 hours of continuing education or advanced training are required each year.

Example Master Gardener Volunteer Opportunities