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UF/IFAS Extension sign for the Santa Rosa County Teaching and Demonstration Gardens, mounted under a small wooden roof and surrounded by landscaped garden beds and greenery.

What Is a Master Gardener Volunteer?

A Master Gardener Volunteer is someone who:

  • Teaches people in Santa Rosa County about gardening using research‑based information.

  • Enjoys any kind of gardening, like growing vegetables or flowers.

  • Wants to share gardening skills with the community through Extension programs.

  • Receives training from UF/IFAS Extension experts.

  • Is willing to volunteer their time to help with educational projects.

Is the Master Gardener Volunteer Program for You?

To decide if you should apply, ask yourself:

  • Do I want to learn more about plants and gardening?

  • Do I enjoy helping others learn new things?

  • Am I ready to take part in a hands‑on training program?

  • Do I have enough time for the classes and volunteer work?

If you answered “yes,” this program might be a great fit for you.

How Are Master Gardener Volunteers Trained?

Joshua Criss, the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent, leads the training program and teaches many of the classes. Other UF/IFAS specialists, Master Gardeners, and plant experts also teach. Training includes lessons, activities, and hands‑on learning about many parts of horticulture.

What Are the Training Topics?

Training covers many subjects, including:

  • Basic plant science

  • Insects

  • Fruit crops

  • Lawns

  • Plant diseases

  • Soil and fertilizers

  • Vegetables

How Do Master Gardeners Volunteer Their Time?

After training begins, volunteers start helping with community projects. The type of work depends on what the county needs and what the volunteer enjoys or is skilled at.

How Do I Become a Master Gardener Volunteer?

The Master Gardener training course is usually offered once a year. The next class begins in July 2027, and applications are due by June 1, 2027.

UF/IFAS Extension staff and current Master Gardener Volunteers will review applications and interview applicants. All volunteers must complete a background check as required by the University of Florida.

There is a $250 class fee to cover materials and supplies. This fee is paid after you are accepted into the program.

Applications for the 2026 course have closed.  Check back for next year's class in May 2027

All Florida Master Gardeners are volunteers, trained and certified by the University of Florida Institute of Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Cooperative Extension Service, to assist Extension Agents in disseminating residential horticultural information to the residents of Florida.

Visit the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Master Gardener website

History

The Santa Rosa County Master Gardener Program began in 1987. Beth Phelps was the Santa Rosa County Extension Agent.  In 1989, Daniel Mullins became the Horticultural Agent.

From 1987 to 1993 Master Gardener training classes were taught in Escambia County as a joint effort between the two counties. In 1994, Dan Mullins held the first Santa Rosa County MG class in Milton. From 2004 to 2012, Theresa Friday was the Environmental Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator. From January 2013 to January 2022, Mary Salinas has served as the Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator. Currently, Joshua Criss is filling the role of Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator for Santa Rosa County.

In 1994 the first bylaws were written and adopted and the first officers were elected. In 1995 the “Earthworm” newsletter was developed by Barbara Robinson which has subsequently been renamed the "Garden Connection" and is published monthly for the public.

Projects

Santa Rosa County Master Gardener volunteers are involved in many diverse projects including: