Take your love of gardening to the next level - Become an Illinois Master Gardener!

Interested in Becoming a Master Gardener?
Our current hybrid Master Gardener training is underway, but don't worry! There are other training options available throughout the year. The Illinois Gardener online training is offered statewide three times annually and is fully self-paced, perfect for flexible learning. You can also explore face-to-face training sessions held weekly in various counties, typically starting in January, or keep an eye out for upcoming hybrid training opportunities. Contact your local Extension office to find out which training option is best for you! Visit the Local Master Gardener Programs page for more details.

Learn more about the Master Gardener program here

After successfully competing your training, you will have the opportunity to participate as a Master Gardener volunteer helping us extend horticulture education and environmental stewardship in your community. Volunteer opportunities may include presenting to clubs or civic groups about gardening and other horticulture topics; developing demonstration gardens (pollinator, perennial, vegetable, rain, etc.) that serve as educational tools; educating citizens on how to establish community gardens; providing horticulture resource information at community events; answering gardening questions via our horticulture hotline; offering seasonal horticulture lessons to youth at schools or clubs, and other opportunities that interest you.

Master Gardeners also get together on a monthly basis for meetings, continuing education, and fellowship.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Tracy Jo Mulliken. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting participant needs.