2026 Hybrid Master Gardener Training
Registration for the 2026 Hybrid Master Gardener Training is now closed. If you are interested in participating in Master Gardener training in the future, please contact Ken Johnson at kjohnso@illinois.edu.
Interested in becoming a Certified Illinois Extension Master Gardener Volunteer or just simply bettering your own gardening knowledge? Our hybrid training program may be for you.
This course is designed to expose participants to in-depth horticulture content through modules that include soils and fertilizers, plant diseases, entomology, pest management, organic gardening, and more. In this flipped classroom style training, participants will study independently prior to the weekly sessions. During Tuesday sessions, trainees participate in a live webinar. Then, work in small groups within the unit to discuss case studies and hands-on activities.
The training includes a Master Gardener manual, videos, reading materials, and quizzes. Participants will join in person on Tuesdays (9 AM-noon) at the Morgan County Extension office (104 N Westgate Ave., Jacksonville, IL).
Course Schedule (Tuesdays, 9 AM-noon)
February 3- Welcome and Introduction to Master Gardener Training
February 10- Botany
February 17- Trees and shrubs
February 24- Plant diseases
March 3- Insects
March 10- Annuals and perennials
March 17- Lawns
March 24- Fruits
March 31- Soils
April 7- Vegetables
April 14- Integrated pest management (IPM)
February 10- Botany
February 17- Trees and shrubs
February 24- Plant diseases
March 3- Insects
March 10- Annuals and perennials
March 17- Lawns
March 24- Fruits
March 31- Soils
April 7- Vegetables
April 14- Integrated pest management (IPM)
*This registration is intended for the residents of Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Morgan, and Scott counties. If you do not reside in one of these counties, please contact the county you reside in. You can locate your local Extension office at https://extension.illinois.edu/global/where-we-serve
What is a Master Gardener?
The University of Illinois Master Gardener program is an educational volunteer training program. The program is open to any adult willing to learn about horticulture and share that research-based information with others. The Master Gardener program is for those enthusiastic individuals who have been accepted into the program, complete the training, and agree to volunteer 20 hours annually to their local University of Illinois Extension office.
Is the Master Gardener program for you?
If you answered "yes," then a completed application, background screening, and interview are required. Forty (40) hours of volunteer hours are required within two years of training to become a certified Master Gardener. Thereafter, 20 hours of volunteer work and 10 hours of education are required to maintain your Master Gardener status.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact Ken Johnson. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting participant needs.
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