Orange County's Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Mission: To support Extension Agents in sharing research-based gardening education with Florida residents.

Vision: To be Florida’s most trusted source for gardening education.

ABOUT THE MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM:

The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a volunteer program that supports UF/IFAS Extension and serves communities across Florida. In Orange County, Master Gardener Volunteers have been helping residents since 1981.

This program is more than a gardening class. It is an ongoing volunteer program made up of trained community members who enjoy gardening and want to help others learn.

Volunteers complete 12 weeks of classroom training. In their first year, they must also complete 75 hours of volunteer service to earn the title of Master Gardener Volunteer. The title remains active as long as the volunteer continues to participate in the program.

The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is more than just a training course—it's an ongoing, community-based volunteer organization. We are dedicated to providing research-based horticultural education throughout our county. Volunteers undergo 12 weeks of classroom training and are required to complete 75 hours of volunteer service within their first year to earn the title of Master Gardener Volunteer. However, it's important to note that this title is only valid as long as individuals remain active, ongoing participants in the program.

Want to be notified when the next Master Gardener Volunteer recruitment period opens? Add your email to this list serve.

• Master Gardener Volunteers' duties

  Certified Master Gardener Volunteers work with their county Extension office to teach Floridians about gardening using research-based information. Gardening is one of America’s most popular hobbies, and our volunteers help people grow successfully.

  Master Gardener Volunteers can complete their service hours in many ways, including:

  • Answering gardening questions by phone, in person, or through a newspaper column
  • Helping with community and school garden projects
  • Giving educational classes and presentations
  • Supporting youth programs
  • Assisting with soil sample checks

  Their work helps residents make smart, science-based gardening decisions.

• Master Gardener Volunteer Training Topics

  Master Gardener Volunteers complete 70+ hours of training through the University of Florida and their local Extension office.

  Training topics include:

  • Florida-Friendly Landscaping™

  • How plants grow (Botany)

  • Insects (Entomology)

  • Plant diseases

  • Nematodes and weeds

  • Soil, nutrients, and fertilizers

  • Turfgrass care

  • Landscape planting and maintenance

  • Pesticide selection, use, and safety

  • Vegetable and fruit gardening

  • Plant propagation

  • Citrus and palm trees

  and MORE!

• Benefits of being a Master Garden Volunteer

  Master Gardener Volunteers enjoy many benefits, including:

  • Being part of a community of people who love gardening

  • Ongoing learning about gardening, pests, and natural resources

  • The chance to attend the Annual Master Gardener Volunteer Continuing Education Conference led by University of Florida experts and fellow volunteers

  • Receiving twelve issues of the Orange County Master Gardener Volunteer “pH News” newsletter each year

  • Opportunities to join field trips across the state

• MGV Enrollment/Requirements

  The most recent Master Gardener Volunteer Training has ended. Information about the next training class will be posted once dates are confirmed.

   

  Recruitment typically begins several months before training starts. Space is limited due to classroom size.

   

  General Requirements

  To apply, candidates must:

  • Attend an informational meeting or watch the recorded session
    • If no live sessions are scheduled, please email Marie Munoz to request the recording
  • Be a resident of Orange County
  • Submit an application during the open application period
    • Applications are only emailed to those on the mailing list or to those who attend an informational meeting
    • Join the Master Gardener Volunteer mailing list to receive application information
  • Attend an interview with the Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator
  • Pass a Florida criminal background check
  • Provide three references
  • Submit a non-refundable program fee after acceptance (covers training materials and supplies)
  • Have internet access and a valid email address
  • Be willing to share research-based horticulture information

  No formal or prior horticulture experience is required.

• Annual Garden Festival & Plant Sale

  Our Garden Festival & Plant Sale is held annually on the first Saturday in March. For the most up-to-date event information, visit our Garden Festival blog post.