By: Les Harrison

Thank you for your interest in the

2019 Florida Master Gardener Program

The course will be offered beginning January 17, 2019 for the 15 weekly classes. The deadline for registration is January 17, 2019.

Your training as a Master Gardener will prepare you for your volunteer work under the direction of UF/IFAS Wakulla County Extension Director, Les Harrison. This entire program will take 12 months. You will become a volunteer for the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (IFAS) and will be providing services to the residents of Wakulla County and their home gardens.

Classes begin on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. and finish at noon. The $75.00 application fee covers all the materials and handouts you will need. Purchasing the UF/IFAS Master Gardener manual is optional at a cost of an additional $85. Class availability will depend on at least ten students registering.

• A completed Florida Master Gardener Application Form

WHAT IS A MASTER GARDENER?

A Master Gardener …

• Is a volunteer who conveys research-based gardening information to residents of Wakulla County.
• Has an interest in any type of gardening, such as vegetables or ornamental plants.
• Wants to share gardening knowledge and skills within the community through extension programs.
• Is trained by UF/IFAS Extension professionals.
• Is willing to donate time to educational projects.

IS MASTER GARDENING FOR YOU?

To help you decide if you should apply for Master Gardener training, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I want to learn more about plant care and gardening?
• Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?
• Am I eager to participate in a practical and intensive training program?
• Do I have enough time to attend the training and to complete my volunteer work?

If you answer “yes” to the above questions, the Master Gardener program may be for you!

HOW ARE MASTER GARDENERS TRAINED?

Les Harrison, County Extension Director, coordinates the training program and does the majority of the teaching. The course begins in January each year and runs for 15 weeks. Regional University Extension specialists, Master Gardeners and other horticulture experts help teach classes. During the training sessions, these experts will use lectures and hands-on activities to expose participants to the many different aspects of horticulture.

WHAT ARE THE TRAINING TOPICS?

Some of the topics covered during the training course include: basic botany, entomology, fruit crops, lawns, plant diseases, soils, fertilizers, vegetables and many more. All topics emphasize best practices for our area.

HOW DO MASTER GARDENERS VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME?

During the first year, Master Gardener Students must complete 75 service hours to become certified. Once the participants enter the training program, it is time to begin volunteer service. Volunteer activities vary according to the county’s needs and the volunteer’s expertise and interest. Examples of volunteer activities include working in the various demonstration gardens at the Extension Office; helping out with garden activities in the county schools; serving as a 4-H leader or assistant leader; participating in Master Gardener Plant Sales; and presenting information at community events to groups interested in gardening topics. If you have a particular gardening interest or community group you would like to work with, talk it over with our Extension Director to determine how this can work for your service hours.

HOW DO I BECOME A MASTER GARDENER?

Master Gardener recruitment and selection takes place in the fall of the year. The training are held on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. The course runs 15 weeks. We accept applications starting in December and up to the first class in January.

In order to be considered, please submit the following:

• A completed Florida Master Gardener Application Form
• A copy of your current drivers license or state ID card

UF/IFAS Extension staff and some current Master Gardeners will review each application. All applicants will have a background screening according to University of Florida policy.

A class fee of $75 to cover the cost of materials and supplies can be paid when the applicant is accepted for training.

0