For 46 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.
From farms and small-town to suburbs and the inner city, more than 2,600 volunteers statewide put their mission of “helping others learn to grow” into practice by providing gardening education and outreach in their communities. Take your love of gardening to the next level in 2022 joining the Master Gardeners. 
Online training is again being offered starting Jan. 31, 2022. This self-guided course is for Illinois residents and can be taken from the comfort of home on a desktop, laptop, or tablet.
“Our online training is a great opportunity for folks who need more flexibility to participate,” said State Master Gardener Specialist Candice Hart. “It is a self-paced program that can be completed at any time.”
The training includes videos, a manual, reading materials, and quizzes. The course can be completed in 14 weeks with four hours of weekly work. A strong internet connection is highly recommended.
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. For more information, visit https://extension.illinois.edu/mg/become-master-gardener. 
The course costs $300 and registration is open until January 10, 2022. Local fees may also apply. For more information or to fill out an application form, contact your local Illinois Extension Office at marymf@illinois.edu . Not all counties are offering the online training option. 
After receiving training, 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.