Hillsborough Master Gardener Program

The goal of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program is to provide comprehensive training on different gardening topics so that Master Gardeners Volunteers can serve as an “Extension” of the University of Florida/Hillsborough County Extension Service and share that information with Hillsborough County residents. 

The Master Gardener Volunteer training is a hybrid format where you will learn online and we will meet in person is a 10-week commitment, for approximately 5 hours per day, one day per week. The class will be held in fall 2025 starting on Sept. 17 through Nov. 19. on Wednesdays from 10am - 3pm.  Get on the waiting list by filling out our Better Impact application. The application process includes completing the application, an interview, a background check, and payment of the class fee is $175 for those applicants that get accepted. Must be 18 or older and a resident of Hillsborough County to apply.

Some of the topics covered include Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM, botany, plant propagation, native plants, landscape planting and maintenance, weeds, palms, turfgrass, vegetables, dooryard fruits, plant pathology, entomology, nematology, pesticides and pesticide safety, soils, nutrients, and fertilizers, irrigation, pruning, wildlife, and invasive plants.

Examples of volunteer projects include:

• Staff information booths at community events and festivals.
• Serve in an "Ask the Expert" capacity answering homeowners' call-in and walk-in questions to the Extension office Master Gardener Help Desk.
• Write horticulture-related news articles for Extension newsletters, local newspapers, and other news outlets.
• Prepare and present programs on horticultural topics to gardening clientele groups, including garden clubs, civic clubs, library plant clinics, and homeowners.
• Assist with programs that engage kids in gardening, including 4-H and school gardens.
• Develop and maintain the teaching and demonstration gardens at the Extension office.
• Assist with workshop registration, planning, packets, surveys, marketing.
• Complete soil pH testing.

If you are interested in becoming a Hillsborough County Master Gardener, Volunteer please complete and return the Better Impact application.

Applicants are added to the list of candidates, and once applications are reviewed, candidates may be contacted for an interview.