An Open Door to Growing More: Become a Master Gardener

Are you passionate about plants, sustainable landscapes, and community education? The UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County office is now accepting applications for the 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) training course!

We’re looking for curious, community-minded individuals who are eager to learn and ready to volunteer their time assisting with educational programs, demonstration gardens, and public outreach.

Master Gardeners support tabling and community outreach events with hands-on horticulture activities. — Master Gardeners connect with our community through tabling and outreach events sharing their gardening passions and knowledge.

What Do Master Gardener Volunteers Do?

After completing the training, Sarasota County MGVs contribute 75 hours of volunteer service during their first year. Activities may include:

Staffing the Plant Clinic to assist residents with gardening and landscape questions
Leading educational presentations and hands-on workshops
Installing and maintaining demonstration gardens across the county
Writing newsletter articles and digital content on horticultural topics
Supporting 4-H youth programs and school garden projects
Assisting with community events, plant sales, and garden tours
Conducting soil and irrigation water testing

Volunteers become ambassadors for UF/IFAS, helping deliver research-based horticulture education to the Sarasota community.

Course Details

A variety of fun hands-on activities reinforce learning during the Master Gardener training.

Schedule: Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dates: February – May 2026
Location: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Office, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL
Instruction: Led by UF/IFAS Extension faculty, staff, state specialists and MGVs
Topics include: Botany, soils, landscape design, turfgrass, fruit and vegetable gardening, plant pathology, entomology, irrigation, invasive species, and more.
Application deadline: September 1^st, 2025

Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for individuals who:

Have a genuine interest in gardening, Florida landscapes, and environmental stewardship
Are willing to volunteer time regularly to Extension programs
Enjoy helping others learn
Can commit to ongoing education and annual recertification
Reside in Sarasota County and are available for in-person classes and volunteer service

How to Apply

Visit our website to learn more and apply:
sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota/mastergardener

An information session will be held on August 27^th from 10 AM – 11 AM via Zoom. Registration available at: eventbrite.com/e/1333255155059.

Space is limited. Apply today to be part of our community of gardeners!