Do you love gardening? Or maybe you just want to learn more? Are you interested in being a part of a community of volunteers and sharing your gardening training with the residents in our county? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Find out what is involved in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) for UF/IFAS Extension Orange County.

FAQ’s of the Orange County Master Gardener Volunteer Program

1. What is the Master Gardener Volunteer Program?
   • The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a citizen-driven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the residents of Florida. The program relies on dedicated volunteers who have an interest in gardening and in giving back to their communities. Orange County’s Master Gardener Volunteer Program has been serving the citizens of Orange County since 1981.The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program recruits individuals who are interested in gardening and enjoy sharing what they learn with others. Participants complete 70+ hours of training sponsored by the University of Florida and the local county Extension office. Upon completion of the educational material, candidates then complete 75 hours of volunteering within their first year to become certified as a Master Gardener Volunteer. After their first year, volunteer hour requirement drops to 35 hours a year.
2. I am interested in the Master Gardener Volunteer training but don’t want to volunteer, can I still take the training?
   • The Master Gardener Volunteer training is reserved for candidates looking to volunteer and serve our county. If you are interested in gardening classes I encourage you to check our Eventbrite page monthly for new offerings!
3. I am a landscape professional, can I take the Master Gardener Volunteer training for professional development or CEUs?
   • Unfortunately, the MGV training is designed only for residents looking to participate in the volunteer program. Landscape professionals looking for professional development can check out the Green Industries Best Management Practices Program or the Florida Friendly Landscaping ™ Professional Certification Program.
4. I am interested in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer, but the training days don’t work for my schedule. Can I still become a MGV?
   • Due to the intensive coordination involved with facilitating this training, we are only able to offer it during office hours. We encourage you to stay on our mailing list if virtual or evening trainings ever become available.
5. How do I become a Master Gardener Volunteer?
   • The MGV recruitment process is rigorous due to high demand and limited seat capacity. Due to the intense planning process, the training only happens once a year in the Fall. The statewide process involves: An application, interview, Florida Criminal Background Check, reference checks, and submitting a non-refundable payment of $275 (to cover enrollment + supplies, limited scholarships available) after acceptance into the program.
6. What qualities are you looking for in volunteers?
   • The beauty of the MGV program is that we teach you the science of gardening! No gardening experience or expertise required. We are looking for candidates who are interested in one of the 4 committees:
     • Answering Questions in our Plant Clinic
     • Teaching Youth Programs and/or working with our Head Start Preschool Garden Program
     • Volunteering with our Demonstration Gardens team
     • Teaching around Orange County with our Community Educator committee
   • If one of the above committees doesn’t fit your needs, I encourage you to apply again in a future year.
7. When are the trainings? 
   • Trainings will take place every Tuesday from Jan. 13th-March 24th, 2026 (excluding March 17th, 2026.) Candidates must be available throughout the duration of the spring semester.
     • Trainings are on Tuesdays from 10 am-3 pm at our UF/IFAS Extension Orange County office (6021 S. Conway Rd., Orlando, FL 32812.)
     • Only 1 excused absence will be accepted during the training period.
8. I have a 2 week trip planned during the training window, can I still apply?
   • Due to the amount of content covered each week, we only allow for 1 excused absence during the training. I encourage you to remain on our mailing list and wait until next year.
9. What does a “hybrid” training mean?
   • To reduce the number of hours in the classroom, a digital classroom has been set up for volunteer trainees to watch pre-recorded assigned videos throughout the week, then come to a half-day in person class for hands-on activities, guest speakers, and Q+A. You do not need to be “tech-savvy” but must be willing to learn new platforms. Application, interview, “digital classroom,” and volunteer records are all managed digitally.

2026 Recruitment Season

• Informational Meetings (Required):
  • 1st Info Meeting September 16th (In-Person)
  • 2nd Info Mtg. September 23rd (Webinar)
    • If the scheduled times do not work for you, please register for the webinar and you will be emailed the video recording afterwards.
• Applications Open: September 29, 2025
• Applications Close: October 12, 2025
  • If you are selected for an interview, you will be notified by October 24, 2025
• Interviews: November 3-7, 2025
• MGV Admission Notifications: November 10, 2025
• Registration Payments Accepted: November 10-21, 2025
• 1st class (Zoom): December 16, 2025
• Trainings: January 13-March 24, 2026 (No class during OCPS/UCF Spring Break 3/17/25)

MGV Application & Enrollment Process

• Must be a resident of Orange County.
• Submit an application (Sep 29-Oct 12).
  • Applications will be emailed out to those on the mailing list or signed up to attend an informational meeting. To be added to the mailing list, please click here. https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7R62HHrfZ6XyjhI.
• Attend an interview with the Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator.
• Pass a Florida Criminal Background Check.
• Provide 3 references.
• Submit non-refundable payment of $275 (includes 6 resource books, training manual, nametag, fieldtrip admission, and shirt embroidery) after acceptance into the program.
• Have internet access and a valid email address.
• Open-minded to sharing research-based horticulture.
• You do not need to be “tech-savvy,” but you do need to have a learning mindset and ability to learn.
• No formal or prior horticulture experience required!

MGV Trainee Requirements

• Weekly lectures, assignments, and quizzes are to be completed by corresponding deadlines. Weekly homework requirements range from 3-10 hours a week, and it is the responsibility of the trainee to come to class prepared.
• Trainees must be available during the entire duration of the training schedule. Only 1 excused absence will be permitted.
  • Trainings are every Tuesday, Jan. 13th-March 24th, 2026 from 10-3 pm (excluding March 17th, 2026.)
• Trainees must volunteer 75 hours in the following calendar year after course completion.
  • Volunteer trainees are expected to work the duration of the Garden Festival & Plant Sale (March 7, 2026, 8:30 am – 3 pm) with at least 1 shift with the parking committee. Exceptions will be made for those with limited physical mobility. 
• Trainees must earn 10 hours of Continuing Education in the following calendar year after course completion.
• Final Project: Create a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation and corresponding handout.

The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a warm and welcoming environment of like-minded people. We have monthly Lunch & Learn luncheons hosted by the Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, monthly garden gatherings hosted by fellow volunteers, yearly field trips, yearly conferences, and much more! We look forward to welcoming new members into our program!

To be added to the mailing list for information on the next recruitment season, please click here.

The fall is an exciting time for the Master Gardener Volunteer program and we look forward to welcoming new members! If you have questions about the Orange County MGV program, please reach out to Clarissa Chairez, Residential Horticulture Agent/Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, at Clarissachairez@ufl.edu. Happy Gardening!

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