About the Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program

Mission

This program trains volunteers who help the county teach people how to design, plant, and care for their yards and gardens in a Florida‑Friendly way. Master Gardener Volunteers share information with Pinellas County residents about gardening that protects the environment.

The title “Master Gardener Volunteer” is only for volunteer work. It is not a professional certification and cannot be used for business.

The 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer training application period is now closed. 

Classes run from August/September through November/December and last about 10–12 weeks. Most of the work is done online, and there is one in‑person class each week on Wednesday mornings.

Master Gardeners volunteer in many places, such as the Lawn & Garden Help Desk, giving educational talks, working in community gardens, and helping with 4‑H programs and school gardens. We are very thankful for our Master Gardeners. We could not reach the community as well without their help.

Topics taught in the program include: Florida‑Friendly Landscaping™, how plants grow (botany), how to grow new plants (propagation), native plants, planting and caring for landscapes, weeds, palms, turfgrass, vegetables, fruits, plant diseases, insects, nematodes, pesticides and safety, soils, nutrients and fertilizers, irrigation, pruning, wildlife, and invasive plants.

This training program is very popular, and we usually have more people apply than we can accept. Applicants are chosen based on their application, references, and sometimes an interview. The 2026 class is expected to cost $225, and a small number of scholarships are available each year.