How to take your gardening skills to the next level

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.

This year, there are two online training options to become a master gardener – self-paced or hybrid with live sessions.

“Our online training is a great opportunity for folks who need more flexibility to participate,” University of Illinois Extension state master gardener specialist Candice Anderson said in a release announcing the program. “Both options have self-paced components that can be completed at your own pace.”

Both training options may be taken from the comfort of home on a desktop, laptop or tablet. Participants will be introduced to in-depth horticulture content through 13 modules, including soils and fertilizers, plant diseases, entomology, pest management, organic gardening and more, according to the release.

The training includes videos, a manual, reading materials and quizzes. A strong internet connection is highly recommended.

After completing the training, volunteers participate in educational 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 people on how to establish community gardens.

The self-paced course starts Oct. 2 and can be completed in 14 weeks with about four to six hours of weekly work. The course costs $300, and registration is open until Sept. 11.

The hybrid course starts Sept. 12 and includes 12 weeks of hybrid online materials and in-person sessions on Tuesday mornings. The live sessions may be accessed remotely or in person at an Extension office, depending on the local requirements. Registration is open until Sept.1. The cost is set by the county providing the training.

Both Master Gardener training programs are coordinated by University of Illinois Extension staff at the county level. Training options, dates and availability may vary by county. For information or to fill out an application form, contact your local Illinois Extension Office.

The University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact Candice Anderson at 217-935-5764 or mille116@illinois.edu.

Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting participant needs.