Home LM McHenry County Master Gardeners

McHenry County Master Gardeners

Take Your Love of Gardening to the Next Level

The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program is a volunteer program open to anyone with the desire to learn and to share information with others about research-based landscape and gardening practices.

Master Gardeners connect with communities through a variety of projects in partnership with local organizations,  and they also staff the Master Gardener Help Desk by assisting residents with garden and landscape questions.

Volunteers participate in extensive training sessions conducted by University of Illinois Extension specialists and educators in horticulture, insects, diseases, grasses, woody and herbaceous ornamentals, and fruits and vegetables.

 

Join us for upcoming events near you

  • 2026 Seed Expo: Feb 7- Seed Swaps, Garden tips and More!
  • 2026 GardenFest: Explore the latest gardening trends, techniques, and tools during this daylong series of seminars for gardeners of every skill level.
  • 2026 GardenWalk: July 11, 2026- from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Join us on a tour of nine gardens (two demonstration and seven residential). This self-guided drive will feature gardens in Crystal Lake, McHenry, and Bull Valley. Experience colorful gardens studded with artwork, edible plots, and more! Tickets on sale NOW!
  • 2026 Farm Stroll: Sept. 28- More info COMING SOON! 
A person planting a tomato plant

Let us help you grow

Become a Master Gardener

Interested in volunteering? You do not need to be an experienced gardener to qualify. If you are looking for a way to give back and to grow your knowledge of horticulture, this may be the opportunity for you.

If you are a McHenry County resident and would like to receive information about the next Master Gardener training, please contact our office.  You will be placed on our email list to receive information about the next informational meeting and the application process.

To become a Master Gardener, you must attend the orientation meeting to learn about our program and how to apply. The horticulture staff reviews all applications and will conduct interviews.  

The Master Gardener training includes 40 hours of horticultural training in a wide variety of topics. In return, trainees are required to volunteer 40 hours to the program, and staffing the Master Gardener Help Desk is required for the first 24 of those volunteer hours.

 

Learn more about Illinois Master Gardeners

Ask a Master Gardener

Help Desk Schedule

April-May and September-October                                                                         Monday & Wednesday | 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.|                                                                                                                                                                                     

June-August                 

 Monday, Wednesday & Thursday  | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. |                                                                                            

November-March

 Wedneday | 9 a.m.-12:00 p.m.  |                                                                                                                                                           

Other Local Resources  

 

 

McHenry County News and Events

A pollinator garden at the McHenry College Demo Garden

McHenry County College Demonstration Garden

The Demo Garden is a hidden gem in McHenry County! The garden is a continual work in progress co-sponsored with McHenry County College and maintained by University of Illinois Master Gardeners.

 Various seeds coming out of their packets

McHenry County Master Gardener Seed Library

Now open! The library is organized by vegetables and flowers, both annual and perennial. "Your next favorite bloom is waiting—check out the seed library today!

 Piscasaw Gardens in McHenry Illinois

2026 McHenry County Farm Stroll

Save the date for Farm Stroll 2026! Join us on September 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and explore 11 family-owned farms. More details coming soon!