Become a Master Gardener Volunteer!

The Master Gardener Volunteer Program teaches people about gardening so they can help others in Hillsborough County. Volunteers act as an “extension” of the University of Florida and share what they learn with the community.

Training Details

Training is a mix of online lessons and in-person classes. It lasts 10 weeks, one day a week, 5 hours each day. The next class will be in fall 2027 (September–November) on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and you can sign up for the 2027 class by filling out the Better Impact application.

To apply, you must:

• Be 18 or older
• Live in Hillsborough County
• Complete the application, interview, and background check
• Pay the $175 fee after you are accepted

What You’ll Learn

Topics include:

• Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
• Botany and how plants grow
• Native plants
• Planting and caring for landscapes
• Vegetables and fruits
• Soils and fertilizers
• Pests and plant diseases
• Irrigation and pruning
• Wildlife and invasive plants

Volunteer Activities

After training, you can:

• Help at community events
• Answer gardening questions at the Extension office
• Write articles for newsletters or newspapers
• Give talks to garden clubs and other groups
• Help with kids’ gardening programs
• Care for demonstration gardens
• Assist with workshops and events
• Test soil pH

If you want to join, fill out the Better Impact application. After we review applications, we may contact you for an interview.

Learn More:

• Master Gardener Help Desk
• Residential Lawn and Garden
• Fact Sheets and Resources