What is a Master Gardener? What do they do? Is the program for everyone? All good questions. Here we will try to provide the answers. Master Gardener programs exist in all fifty states and in Canada. The program goals are to provide instruction and science-based information to individuals who will, in turn, volunteer in the community to share that knowledge with the public. Requirements to participate vary from state to state. Florida’s Master Gardener program is part of the Extension Service of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS).
To be considered for the Hernando County Master Gardener program, submit an application form with background information and references. If accepted, there is a fee of $140.00 to cover the cost of books and University of Florida Press instructional materials for a 78 hour, thirteen-week course about horticultural practices in Florida. Many topics are covered including, but not limited to irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease identification, pesticides, insecticides, turf grasses, invasive plant species, forestry and Florida’s ecosystem. The class meets one full day a week for twelve weeks, followed by a final exam. It is important to attend every class.
During the first year, a trainee in the program must commit to 75 hours of volunteer activities and 10 hours of continuing education in extension approved classes. After the first year the volunteer requirement is 35 hours/year. Continuing education remains constant at 10 hours/year. Wow! That seems like a lot of time. But it is easy to earn those required hours.
Master Gardeners volunteer at extension service programs in Hernando County. They staff information desks at garden centers and the extension service office, volunteer at the Master Gardener nursery, and offer advice for gardening programs in the community. They monitor and care for plants in the atrium at the Government Center in Brooksville. Master Gardeners do presentations and lectures for the public at community centers, libraries and at local schools. They provide a resource for the public in Hernando County for Florida-friendly horticultural practices, identification of weeds or plant pests and disease. They staff information booths at the county fair, blueberry festival, and agricultural expo. Hernando County Master Gardeners also write a monthly e-newsletter with gardening information from extension and other state and local agencies. There are many ways to volunteer, based on your interests, skills and availability.
Continuing Education is available through classes and webinars on a variety of subjects. This year Master Gardeners had the opportunity to attend seminars about aquatic plants, vegetable gardening, cogon grass eradication, pruning trees and shrubs, community gardening, green industries best management practices as well as wildlife invasive species. The programs are presented by well-informed lecturers with extensive knowledge in their field of study. Becoming a Master Gardener is an opportunity to be a life-long learner.
If you decide that you want to join our dedicated group of Hernando County Master Gardeners, or just want more information; come to one of our orientation programs being held the week of August 22 to 26 at the Hernando County Extension Office, 16110 Aviation Loop Drive, Brooksville, 34604. Call (352) 754-4433 to to register.