UI Extension offers online master gardener class
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MATTOON, IL— Dig deeper and establish solid roots in gardening knowledge with University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Illinois Extension Master Gardeners uplift communities one garden, one answer, and one volunteer hour at a time.
From city centers to rural communities and suburban curb appeal, Illinois Master Gardener volunteers are passionate about the program’s mission to help others learn to grow. In 2025, more than 2,000 volunteers dedicated 150,000 hours to sharing gardening knowledge, donating produce, and enriching communities and the environment through garden projects. This summer, take your passion for gardening to the next level by joining in on the Master Gardener mission.
Participants can learn remotely at their own pace. “Our online training is a great opportunity for people who need more flexibility to participate,” said State Master Gardener Specialist, Candice Anderson. “This self-paced option has been a great choice for busy schedules.”
Dig into in-depth horticulture content from the comfort of home using a desktop, laptop, or tablet. Both options include 13 modules covering vegetable gardening, soils and fertilizers, annuals and perennials, plant diseases, integrated pest management, and more. Enjoy adaptive learning styles, including videos, reading materials, and interactive real-world applications. Take quizzes on the information and use the training manual to support learning and information sharing.
Upon completion, participants can apply to be a Master Gardener volunteer or opt-out and receive an Illinois Gardener certificate to apply the learned skills in a home garden or for career growth. Training will start before the application process. Those interested in volunteering will apply after course completion. Volunteers can participate in educational programming and projects in their communities, including speaking engagements at gardening clubs, schools, and civic groups, or answering calls or emails at the local county help desk. Project options also include hands-on demonstrations and the establishment of community gardens that provide fresh produce for food-insecure neighbors, or native plant educational sites that provide habitat for pollinators.
The online course starts June 8, and can be completed in 14 weeks with approximately four to six hours of weekly work. There is a significant course fee, and registration is open from April 1 through May 18.
Master Gardener training options are coordinated by Extension staff and vary by county. For more information or to fill out an application form, contact a local Illinois Extension office at go.illinois.edu/ccdms.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact Candice Anderson. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting participant needs.