OREGON, Ill. — For 48 years, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have measured success by gardens planted, insects identified, produce harvested, and the millions of hours volunteers have logged by helping others learn to grow.

Take your love of gardening to the next level in 2024 by joining an online training course which will be offered by the Ogle County Extension office. Whether you’re interested in the Master Gardener certification process and continuing on to volunteer in your community, or you’re simply interested in bettering your own gardening knowledge, Master Gardener training is for you.

Online training is again being offered starting Jan. 29, 2024 and registration is open until Jan. 10, 2024. This flexible, self-guided course is for Illinois residents and can be taken from the comfort of home and can be completed at any time. This course is aimed at exposing participants to in-depth horticulture content through 13 modules including soils and fertilizers, plant diseases, entomology, pest management organic gardening and more. The course can be completed in 14 weeks with four hours of weekly work and cost $300, visit https://extension.illinois.edu/mg/become-master-gardener.

After finishing training, you are eligible to apply to become an Illinois Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. Master Gardener volunteers participate in education programs in their communities. Those opportunities may include speaking at garden clubs, civic groups, or schools; answering calls or emails at garden help desks; establishing demonstration gardens that serve as educational tools; and educating citizens on how to establish community gardens.

Contact Cindy Jankiewicz, Extension Program Coordinator at the Ogle County Extension office at 815-732-2191 or email cjankie@illinois.edu if you have questions or need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program.

SOURCE: Candice Anderson, State Master Gardener Specialist, Illinois Extension