Cooperative Extension – Master Gardener Volunteers Home

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Who Are the Master Gardener Volunteers?

The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer title is granted by the University of Florida/IFAS to individuals who complete the training course and required volunteer hours. The program's goal is to develop and support volunteers who educate the public and share research-based information on planning and maintaining urban, suburban, and rural landscapes, with an emphasis on environmental stewardship.

Mission
To assist Extension Agents in providing research-based horticultural education to Florida residents.

Vision
To be the most trusted resource for horticultural education in Florida.

Services Provided by Master Gardener Volunteers

Ask a Master Gardener Volunteer: Get help with gardening questions.

Speakers Bureau: Presentations on horticultural topics for garden clubs, civic groups, libraries, homeowners, and more.

Support for Youth Programs: Assistance with 4-H activities and school gardens.

Plant Clinics: Diagnostic help with plant, pest, and disease issues.

Educational Writing: Newspaper articles, blogs, and newsletter content on horticulture topics.

Community Garden Support: Helping establish and maintain community gardens.

Interested in Becoming a Florida Master Gardener Volunteer?

Master Gardener Volunteer training typically runs for 14 consecutive Wednesdays in either the fall or spring. Trainees learn a wide range of South Florida–focused horticulture topics, including botany, soils, plant pathology, entomology, vegetable gardening, plant identification, and more. The training fee is $220, which covers textbooks and all required materials. A limited number of scholarships may also be available.

Program Requirements:

To become a Master Gardener Volunteer, you simply need an interest in gardening, a willingness to learn, and a desire to help others. New volunteers complete 75 qualified service hours during their first year of certification. After that, volunteers renew their certification each year by completing 10 hours of continuing education and 35 volunteer hours. Volunteers are also expected to follow all program policies.

Phone: 561.233.1759

Email: MasterGardener@pbc.gov