Growing a Green Thumb!
Levy County Extension hosts the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF-IFAS) Extension Master Gardener volunteer (MGV) training program.
Meeting Fridays, September 10 – November 5, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, in partnership with Levy County Board of County Commissioners and operated through the Levy County Extension office. Held simultaneously in-person and online. Participants may choose to complete the Dooryard Horticulture Certificate of Completion (Track 1) or Master Gardener Volunteer Certification (Track 2).
Specifically addressing challenges of gardening in North Florida, topics include fertilization, watering efficiently, pesticides, vegetable gardening, Florida-Friendly Landscaping and fruit and citrus tree selection. Held simultaneously in-person and online. In-person class limited to 18 participants. Course uses a combination of lecture recordings, live Q&A webinars, discussion forums and weekly activities to guide your learning. This course is a thoughful gift for the budding gardener or inquisitive mind.
“I always thought that if I wasn’t a volume farmer or agricultural giant there was no reason for me to call …. Extension service. I was SO wrong,” states Peggy A, “the Nature Coast Master Gardener program is only one of gems available at your county Extension office.”
Track 1 – Dooryard Horticulture Certificate of Completion
~ OR ~
Track 2 – Course + 75 hours volunteer service with UF/IFAS Extension = Certified Master Gardener Volunteer
Other equipment: Access to computer or laptop with external or built in webcam and microphone. Internet access needed. 8″x10″ dry erase board and notebook (optional). Approximately 8-10 hours per week. Self-directed, independent and self-motivated learning is enhanced with social interaction and collaboration. Course is sequenced to build connection with material, linking new material with existing information. There is great variety in how students learn and how long they take to learn. No driving in bad weather! Complete the online course from comfort of your own home. In-person class limited to 18 participants.
Who: facilitated by Barbara L. Edmonds, Horticulture PA. UF agents and specialists present topic material in video, lecture, text, audio and images. Multiple resources help build new knowledge. Learning objectives encourage participants to take an active role and be in charge of the learning process.
Next Step: Request emailed registration or pick up at Levy Extension Center. $80 materials fee due by August 25, 2021.
Cash, check or money order payable: University of Florida
MEMO: Master Gardener
Include contact phone number on check
NOTE: UF background check completed for Track 2 candidates. Be prepared to present photo ID.
In-person class size capped at 18. Please let us know in advance if accommodations are required.
The people you meet and information gained may add to your enjoyment of gardening under Dixie, Gilchrist and Levy county conditions. Students are encouraged to keep a learning journal (reflections on what and how you are learning) or a learning agenda (what they need or want to learn and a plan of action).
Registration and $80 (non-refundable) materials fee due August 25, 2021. Request course application by email; savemygarden@ufl.edu , or pickup at Levy County Extension Center, 625 North Hathaway Avenue, Bronson, 32621. Questions? Call me, 352-486-5131, or comment below. View ‘What’s Growing On’, WCJB TV20, August 25, 2021, news segment HERE. Click this link for redirection to UF’s Florida Master Gardener Program website. Please repost to share with family, friends and circle of influence. In the meantime, Spread Joy!!