Take your love of gardening to the next level!

The Illinois Extension Master Gardener program is open to any adult with an interest in plants and a desire to share gardening knowledge with others. The program is for enthusiastic individuals who have completed training and agree to volunteer at least 40 hours within two years to their local Illinois Extension office.

Master Gardener training covers various home horticulture topics including vegetable gardening, insects, tree and small fruits, basic botany, integrated pest management, turfgrass care, plant diseases, tree and shrub care, soils and fertilizer, and flower gardening. Volunteer opportunities may include answering phone and email questions about gardening, staffing educational outreach events, and maintaining demonstration gardens.

For more information, including application materials and training dates, contact Horticulture Educator Jennifer Fishburn.