PUTNAM COUNTY MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS

• Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program Mission and Vision

  Mission: to assist Extension agents in providing researched-based horticultural education to Florida residents

  Vision: to be the most trusted resource for horticulture education in Florida

• The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program

  The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a group of trained volunteers who help UF IFAS Extension share research‑based information with residents and communities in Putnam County. The training includes more than 60 hours of instruction and hands on learning over 10 weeks. Topics include basic botany, soil health, fertilizers, plant diseases, integrated pest management, and many others.

   

   

• Community Service

  Master Gardener Volunteers hone their talents and advance their skills in order to contribute to their Putnam County Community.   

  Projects Include:

  • Extension Landscape Maintenance and improvement
  • Extension Vegetable Demonstration Gardens
  • Soil pH Testing
  • School horticulture enrichment assistance
  • Educational Designs and displays
  • Pesticide Exam Proctoring
  • Plant Clinics
  • Speaking Engagements

   

  Major events include:

  • In conjunction with US Forest Service Arbor Day
  • Azalea Days at Ravine Gardens
  • Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
  • Putnam County Fair Horticulture Show
  • Mushroom Festival

  Talents Displayed by Master Gardener Volunteers:

  • Leadership
  • Photography
  • Art
  • Cooking/baking
  • Hospitality
  • Writing/editing
• The title "Certified Florida Master Gardener Volunteer"

  The title "Certified Florida Master Gardener Volunteer":

  • is used only when representing the UF IFAS Extension Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
  • is given to volunteers who complete the Florida Master Gardener training and 75 hours of volunteer service.

  It is not:

  • a professional certification program.
  • to be used for personal gain or profit.
  • to be used to promote commercial products, businesses, or services.

   

   

• Master Gardener Volunteer Training

  Interested in becoming a Master Gardener?

  Training is offered each fall.

  Steps to apply.

  1. Review the Putnam Master Gardener Training Schedule
  2. Click the Apply now button below to submit an application
  3. Clear a background check
  4. Interview with the Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener volunteers.

  After all interviews are finished, the final roster will be created and selected applicants will be notified.

  Apply Today!

• How much does the training cost?

  The training fee ranges from $100 to $130, which covers:

  • Course materials
  • Field trips
  • Gardening tools and resources
• Residency

    People who want to join the Master Gardener Volunteer Program should apply in the county where they live. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. Volunteers accepted into the Putnam County program must complete all required volunteer hours in Putnam County or for Putnam County projects.

• Important dates

  Below are some of the important dates for the upcoming 2024 Master Gardener Volunteer Training.

   

  Dates
  Year Round	Applications Period
  June 30	Last day to apply
  2nd Friday of July	Interview dates and times finalized
  July 22	Acceptance emails sent
  August 14	Training payment is due in full
  August 15	1st day of training
  October 31	The final day of training