Master Gardeners

UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County Master Gardener Volunteers are volunteer educators and provide educational programming for the residents of Sumter County based on unbiased, research-based information from Florida’s Land Grant University, University of Florida. Examples of programs found in Sumter County include the Ask the Master Gardener Plant Clinics, the Master Gardener Speaker Series, The Gardener’s Journal, the Youth Garden, the Spring Garden Festival and Plantoberfest plant sales, Information Booths at local events and the Speaker’s Bureau.

To see what classes we are offering currently visit our Eventbrite

• Ask the Master Gardener Plant Clinics

  The UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County Ask the Master Gardener Plant Clinics are offered in three locations weekly throughout the year and two seasonal locations from October to April. Plant Clinics are manned by trained and knowledgeable Master Gardener Volunteers who share unbiased, research-based information with residents in Sumter County.  They provide answers and recommendations for your lawn and garden questions, including plant, weed, insect and disease identification.

  

  Locations and Hours

  UF/IFAS Extension Office location

  7620 SR 471, Suite 2, Bushnell, FL

  Hours:  Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 am to 2 pm

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  Annex location at the Sumter County Health Department

  8015 E C-466, The Villages, FL

  Hours: Mondays, 9 am to 3 pm

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  Sumter County Service Center location

  7375 Powell Road, The Villages, FL

  Hours: Fridays, 9 am to 3 pm

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  Lowes location

  441, 13705 US-441, Lady Lake

  Hours:  October – April, 1st Tuesday, 3rd Saturday, 10 am to 2pm

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  Lowes location at 466a

  5630 Seven Mile Drive, Wildwood, FL

  Hours:  October – April, 2^nd Tuesday, 4^th Saturday, 10 am to 2pm

• Becoming a Master Gardener
  • UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County Master Gardener Volunteer Students complete a comprehensive training program. To apply, applications are accepted for the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Sumter County.  Applications are due by July 1 for classes that will begin the last Friday in August and continue Fridays through the beginning of December.  Classes are held from 9 am to 3:30 pm at the Sumter County Extension Office.  There are openings for up to 25 students each year.
  • Master Gardener students learn about basic botany, soils, fertilizers, vegetables, entomology, citrus, turfgrass, use of (and alternatives to) pesticides, ornamental plants, diseases and other related topics.  All information is based on knowledge and research from University of Florida.
  • Trainees will complete 75 volunteer hours and 12 hours of continuing education within 12 months of completion of the class. The Master Gardener training program includes classes, hands-on learning opportunities, practicums, fieldtrips and a final exam.  Students will receive Green-Industry Best Management Practices training and complete the certification exam.
  • To learn more about becoming a UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County Master Gardener Volunteer, contact UF/IFAS Extension in Sumter County by calling 352-569-6862.
  • Important Documents:
    • MG Application Final
    • Master Gardener Training and Activities Final
    • Letter to Prospective Applicants Final
    • History of Master Gardener Program Final

  

• Youth Garden

  Master Gardener volunteers educate after-school elementary age youth to develop skills to grow vegetable crops. Each week during the school year, 20 youth learn where their food comes from.  They plant vegetable plants and seeds.  They watch them grow after school and then take the fruits of their labor home to enjoy.  Master Gardener Volunteers spend other hours maintaining and cleaning the garden areas.  The Youth Garden is not open to the public.