Steps for Joining
For those wanting to become a Master Gardener volunteer, 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.
2024 Horticulture Core Education, Oct 7 - 11, 2024
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.
Illinois Professional Development hours for Illinois teachers may be available for the 60 hours of training, through the Council on Teacher Education.
For more information about the education only option contact Tara Heath tsheath@illinois.edu
Meeting Schedule
Extension Master Gardeners host a monthly meeting that includes an educational program. The programs are always open to the public and free. Visit our Events page for the most current meeting details.
Fulton and Mason County Master Gardener Meetings
2nd Tuesday, social time 5:30 p.m., program begins at 6 p.m.
The meeting location varies.
Peoria County Master Gardener Meetings
3rd Wednesday, social time 1 p.m., program at 1:30 p.m., membership meeting at 2:30 p.m.
Location is typically the University of Illinois Extension office in Peoria.
Tazewell County Master Gardener Meetings
4th Monday, social time 5:30 p.m., program at 6 p.m. - March through November.
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?
Local trainings are typically offered in a hybrid format pairing in-person activities and demonstrations with online learning modules completed on trainees’ own time. The in-person component is typically scheduled as a week-long, 5-day course from 9 am-3 pm each day (with a short lunch break) and includes hands-on learning at gardens throughout the four-county unit. For those unable to work with this local schedule the state offers a 100% online training option. More information on that is available at extension.illinois.edu/mg/online-illinois-gardener-training
Approximately 60 hours of instruction and field study and 40 hours of volunteer internship work are required to complete the program and become certified. In order to remain a certified Master Gardener, 20 hours of volunteer work and 10 hours of continuing education or advanced training are required each year.
Example Master Gardener Volunteer Opportunities
- Youth programs such as 4-H Show judge or superintendent or 4-H gardening Special Interest club
- Informational booths: farmers markets, community events, health fairs, county fairs
- Community gardens: Morton Library native garden, WIC vegetable garden, Wildlife Prairie Park butterfly habitat, Illinois Central College
- Ask a Gardening Question helpline
- Write educational articles: nature magazines, blogs, news papers
- Educational programs: Speakers Bureau, Clean Water Celebration, Farm Safety Day
Resources
GivePulse - Go.illinois.edu/MGGivepulse
Master Gardener Brochure
Illinois Master Gardener website
Master Gardener Apparel can be ordered anytime at go.illinois.edu/ExtensionMerch
