Become a Santa Rosa County Master Gardener

If you are a Santa Rosa County resident who has an interest in gardening and would like to share that interest as a volunteer in the Master Gardener program, we encourage you to apply for training as a Master Gardener.

What is a Master Gardener?

A Master Gardener is...

  • First and foremost is an educator.  They help the Environmental Horticulture Agent disseminate research-based gardening information.
  • Has an interest in any type of gardening, such as vegetables and ornamentals.
  • Wants to share gardening knowledge and skills within the community.
  • Is trained by the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service.
  • Is willing to donate volunteer service hours in approved activities in the year following training.

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!

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.

How do Master Gardeners Volunteer Their Time?

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.  A current list of projects is available on the Santa Rosa County Master Gardener website (http://mastergsrc.org).

How Do I Become a Master Gardener?

Master Gardener recruitment and selection takes place in the fall of the year.  Completed applications for the 2008 must be either brought in or postmarked by October 31, 2007 in order to be considered for the next training program.

UF/IFAS Extension staff and a panel of Master Gardeners will review the application.  Interviews of prospective volunteers will be conducted.

A fee will be charged to cover the cost of materials and supplies. 

How Are Master Gardeners Trained?

Theresa Friday, Extension Faculty, coordinates the training program and does the majority of the teaching.  Classes are held on Thursdays from 8:30 am to 1 pm beginning in January and running approximately 15 weeks.

State and regional University Extension specialists, Master Gardeners and other horticulture experts teach classes.  During the training sessions, these experts will use lectures and hands-on acclivities to expose participants to the many different aspects of horticulture.

Application

Applications for the January 2008 class will be accepted through October 31, 2007.

Call the Santa Rosa County Extension office at 850-623-3868 to request an application or print the application and mail to the office.  (2008 application 26KB pdf).