Master Gardener Volunteer

How to Become a Florida Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer

The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program recruits individuals who are interested in gardening and enjoy sharing what they learn with others. Participants complete a 75-hour training course sponsored by the University of Florida and the Lake County Extension office.

To become a certified Florida Master Gardener Volunteer, one is required to attend the prescribed hours of instruction and pass an examination administered by the University of Florida/IFAS Cooperative Extension Service.  Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer Trainees must complete 75 hours of volunteer service hours and participate in 10 learning hours within 1 year of their certification, per the statewide program bylaws by completing the course as follows: 

• 20 hours Plant Clinic
• 20 hours Greenhouse
• 20 hours Discovery Gardens
• 15 hours in any approved activity area

Certified Master Gardener Volunteers work through the Lake Extension office to educate Floridians and provide research-based information about gardening—America's most popular pastime. Master Gardener Volunteers can fulfill their volunteer hours in a variety of ways, including: 

• answering horticultural questions over the phone, in person in the Plant Clinic
• working in our Discovery Gardens and greenhouse
• participating in community and school garden projects
• giving educational programs to the public
• supporting youth activities
• performing soil sample evaluations
• disseminating information at community events

Master Gardener Volunteers can renew their certification by participating in 10 learning hours and completing 50 volunteer hours each year. They must also adhere to the Master Gardener Volunteer policies.

Interested applicants must complete a Master Gardener Volunteer Program form; we will add your name to the MGV waiting list database.  We will notify you when we begin the selection process and provide information on the next steps in the process.

Our Vision:

To be the most trusted resource for horticultural education in Florida

Mission Statement:

The mission of the UF/IFAS Extension, Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer’s Program is to assist extension agents by providing horticultural education programs and current research-based information to the public through plant clinics, community outreach, and the Discovery Gardens.