Are You Interested in Becoming a Master Gardener?

Would you like to become a better gardener? Then consider participating in the Master Gardener program offered through the University of Florida IFAS Extension in Wakulla County. As a Master Gardener, you will learn a lot about what grows in this area, from vegetables to landscape plants, and how to care for the plants. You will learn various gardening/landscape techniques that assist you with your plants. You will also learn what to do when they do have problems.

View the webpages below and take a look at the course outline and the full requirements for the program. Or, call the Extension office at 926-3931 and ask us to send you the information.

• 2009 Master Gardener Volunteer Program Application Form [24KB pdf]
• Wakulla County Master Gardener Training Class 2008 (2009 TBA)

If you really enjoy gardening and don’t mind working to learn more, you will want to submit your application. If you decide to become a Certified Master Gardener, you will also meet a lot of other gardeners and enjoy the feeling of knowing that you’re helping to make your community a more beautiful place.

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How the Master Gardener Program Works

• Participants attend six-hour classes each Wednesday from February 27, 2008 through April 23, 2008 at the Agriculture Center at 84 Cedar Avenue, Crawfordville, FL. The classes – covering everything from basic botany to best landscaping practices - are taught by qualified experts and feature some hands-on experience in the demonstration garden adjacent to the building. And there is homework that involves reading material, either printed or found on the Internet.
• Participants also help experienced Master Gardeners maintain the demonstration garden on the third Monday morning of each month during their training.
• Upon completion of the training (54 hours), participants volunteer for 85 hours – helping in the garden, fielding calls from area gardeners seeking advice with their gardening/landscape problems, and in various other ways designed to serve our community. In addition, 5 hours of continuing education are required.

Altogether, attaining certification involves a 11-month commitment involving a minimum of 139 hours. And to maintain certification in future years, Master Gardeners must complete 35 hours of volunteer service on a yearly basis.

There is a $150 program fee, to be paid when you submit your application. Couples pay $225 and share their books. Remember, $50 is refundable upon completion of course.

The program is sponsored by the University of Florida IFAS Extension in Wakulla County, which is funded by both the state and county.

Right now you’re probably thinking, "There’s no way I could do that. I don’t know enough and I would be scared to death!" But, after you’ve answered a few questions and overcome your fear, you will find that the volunteer service will reward you richly. You’re not expected to answer questions off the top of your head. You’re expected to look up the answers and consult with the office staff before responding. So, the experience forces you to learn while you are helping others.

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