Master Gardener Hybrid Training 2026
Are you ready to take the next step in your gardening journey? University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam counties is excited to be offering a Hybrid Training starting Fall of 2026. Joining your local Master Gardener program is a great way to expand your gardening knowledge while making a positive difference in your community.
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 with Extension Horticulture Educators. Then, work in small groups within the unit to discuss case studies and hands-on activities.
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.
Hybrid Course Information:
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 with Extension Horticulture Educators. Then, work in small groups within the unit to discuss case studies and hands-on activities.
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.
Hybrid Course Information:
- In-person meetings on Tuesdays: September 8 - December 1, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Online coursework to be completed before each live session
- In-person training location to be determined based on location of registrants (either the Extension office in Ottawa or Henry)
- $250 course fee covers all training materials and Master Gardener manual
For questions or if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact Emily Hansen at emhansen@illinois.edu or 815-433-0707.
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