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Master Gardener Volunteer Program

The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer program is a volunteer-driven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida. The program relies on dedicated volunteers who have an interest in gardening and giving back to their communities. With training from UF/IFAS Extension, Master Gardener Volunteers are active in their communities, offering leadership and education in gardening, landscaping, and environmental topics.

  • What do you learn as a Master Gardener Volunteer?

    Education is offered after training to keep volunteers updated on the latest gardening information through presentations, field trips, and training activities to support projects or community initiatives.

    Master Gardener Volunteer trainees complete 60+ hours of training in the following core areas:

    • Botany
    • Entomology
    • Plant pathology
    • Soil management
    • Plant nutrition
    • Integrated pest management
    • Vegetable gardening
    • Fruit trees & citrus
    • Trees & palms
    • Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program
    • Wildlife and the environment
  • Who are Master Gardener Volunteers?

    Master Gardener Volunteers are:

    • Alachua county residents who love gardening and plants​.
    • Willing to learn and practice environmentally friendly horticulture methods​.
    • Able to communicate horticulture knowledge with diverse audiences. ​
    • Eager to continue learning on their volunteer journey.​
    • Fun and committed to volunteering!​
  • What do Master Gardener Volunteers do?

    Master Gardener Volunteers are educators sharing the knowledge they learn with others. They​:

    • Provide research-based gardening information to the public through our Help Desk and Plant Clinic services. ​
    • Create education materials for booth displays and demonstrations​.
    • Write articles for newsletters, social media, and fact sheets​.
    • Prepare presentations through our Speakers Bureau program​.
    • Teach adults and youth in sustainable gardening management practices.​
    • Collaborate with 4-H to help youth learn about our environment.​
    • Support various community and school gardens​.
    • Conduct tours of local landscapes and gardens & provide recognition to residences practicing Florida-Friendly principles.​
    • Grow and propagate plants for our annual plant sale fundraiser!
  • How do I apply to be a Master Gardener Volunteer?
    1. Fill out the Master Gardener Volunteer Interest Form.
    2. Complete application emailed out in April. Acceptance into the program is limited and can be highly competitive.​
    3. If accepted, complete 60+ hours of horticultural training over a 12-week period from August to November to become a Master Gardener Volunteer intern. The cost is $175 and includes a Student Manual & Handbook, and other educational materials & resources​.
    4. Master Gardener Volunteer interns are required to volunteer a minimum of 75 hours the first year to achieve Master Gardener Volunteer certification. ​
    5. 35 volunteer hours and 10 continuing education hours are required in subsequent years to maintain an active status with the program. 
    1. Master Gardener Newsletters