How to Become a Master Gardener in Illinois
The state of Illinois Master Gardener program began in 1975 using a similar program in Washington State as a model. The inception of the Master Gardening program in Washington involved an extension agent named David Gibby. Gibby created this program as a means of training volunteers with gardening expertise in exchange for the volunteers agreeing to give back to their communities with volunteer service. Since Illinois adopted the Master Gardener program, today almost every county participates in the program managed by the University of Illinois. Become a Master Gardener in Illinois by following the prescribed guidelines.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Contact the local extension unit for your Illinois county. Visit the Illinois Master Gardeners website and view the contact information for the counties in Illinois. If your county does not have contact information listed on the webpage, contact the Extension Specialist at (217) 265-5256 for more information.
-
2
Request a Master Gardener application when you contact your Illinois county extension unit. Provide your name and contact information to receive the application and Master Gardener information in the mail.
-
-
3
Complete the application with your personal information and submit it to the county extension unit.
-
4
Advance through the interview process to gain acceptance into the Master Gardener program.
-
5
Pay a fee to participate in the program. The fee includes a manual and the class. Local extension units may vary the fees charged.
-
6
Attend an 11-week class that meets one day each week. The class begins in January every year and you must attend every class to continue the program. Classes will cover soils, vegetables, flowers, trees, grasses, shrubs, insects, botany, landscaping and plant disease.
-
7
Pass a final exam to earn the title “Master Gardener Intern.” During your internship, you must complete 60 hours of volunteer service.
-
8
Earn the title “Certified Master Gardener” after you finish the internship requirements.
-
9
Retain your Certified Master Gardener certification by completing at least 10 hours of continuing education each year and providing at least 30 hours of volunteer service each year. Local extension units may vary the Certified Master Gardener annual requirements.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Advance to “Master Gardener Mentor” positions or “Advanced Master Gardener” certification by participating in special training programs.
Ideas for Master Gardener volunteer projects include maintaining a demonstration garden, creating an instructional gardening program for students or senior citizens, speaking or teaching gardening to groups, fielding telephone inquiries at your county’s extension unit and producing a gardening newsletter or website.
