Master Gardener Program
of Tampa and Hillsborough County

NOTE: If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, with your name, address, and phone number to be added to the list for 2010.

• What is a Master Gardener?
• Why Become a Master Gardener Volunteer?
• The Master Gardener Program
• Master Gardener Training
• Benefits of Being a Master Gardener
• Commitment
• Who Can Apply?
• Calendar of Garden Workshops

What is a Master Gardener?
An individual who completes a University of Florida / Hillsborough County Extension specialized course in gardening in Florida. This person then provides educational leadership to the Tampa and surrounding communities in home gardening and landscaping. Hillsborough County Master Gardeners help Extension in fulfilling the educational outreach mission by:

• staffing plant question phone lines
• giving talks and plant clinics to local groups
• manning displays at fairs and community events in Tampa and nearby areas
• organizing educational programs and conferences
• creating and maintaining demonstration gardens
• working with kids in the Junior Master Gardener program
• and many other activities

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Why Become a Master Gardener Volunteer?
As a Master Gardener, you can help to educate and advise home gardeners in Tampa, Hillsborough County or your own community. Many newcomers and inexperienced gardeners in Florida are in great need of gardening advice. Our informative training will give you the skills needed to diagnose plant problems and give you the confidence to share your expertise with others. You will have the opportunity to work with homeowners, school children, teachers, seniors, and others. You can develop public speaking skills or learn to use computers and other technologies. Being a Master Gardener volunteer is fun, interesting and rewarding.

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The Master Gardener Program

The Master Gardener program and training is conducted by the Extension agents. The training provides gardeners with the opportunity to improve their horticultural knowledge and skills and then share their experience with the public through organized volunteer activities.

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Master Gardener Training

Classes are taught by Extension agents and other horticulture experts. The program covers the challenges specific to gardening in Florida. A sample of topics covered include:

• Botany
• Plant Problem Diagnosis
• Soils
• Lawns and Landscape Plants
• Pest Management
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Plant Propagation... and More!

The cost for the Master Gardener Training is $175 (to cover course materials). Once the fist-year requirements are completed, $50 will be refunded to the individual.

NOTE: If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, with your name, address, and phone number to be added to the waiting list for 2010.

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Benefits of Being a Master Gardener

• Help to educate your community
• Help gardeners solve their plant problems
• Promote environmental responsibility through water conservation and least-toxic pest control
• Beautify Florida by teaching about appropriate plants for our climate
• Work with school and community gardens in Tampa and Hillsborough County
• Educational Opportunities For You
  • Monthly Educational Programs
  • Monthly Master Gardener Newsletter
  • Advanced Training once a year at the University of Florida
  • Annual Master Gardener Tour of Gardens
  • Annual Florida-Friendly Landscaping 101 Conference and other seminars
• Fun and Friendship
• Work with some of the most talented and interesting gardeners in the area
• Participate in team projects
• Take on leadership roles

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Commitment

To become a certified Master Gardener participants must complete the initial training class and donate 75 hours of volunteer service and earn 10 hours of training within 12 months of the first day of class. There are a wide variety of service opportunities available, ranging from answering gardening questions from the public, planning and conducting plant clinics and other educational opportunities for the public, working with school gardens, and even working behind the scenes to help prepare programs.

Minimum requirements after the first year include a donation of 35 hours of service and 10 hours of continued training.

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Who Can Apply?

Anyone with an interest in horticulture can apply for the Master Gardener program. If you have an interest in improving your skills and knowledge and the desire to work with people, the Master Gardener program may be for you. There are frequently more applicants for the program than slots available. Selection is based on history of volunteer service and level of specific skills and knowledge of value to the program. After applying, potential applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.

NOTE: If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, email us with your name, address, and phone number to be added to the waiting list for 2010.

For More Information: Contact Us!

5339 County Road 579

Seffner, FL 33584

(813) 744-5519

Master Gardener Plant Clinics

Master Gardeners conduct free "plant clinics" during the Fall, Winter, and Spring months. These are held at eleven public libraries in Hillsborough County. The public is invited to attend, and pre-registration is not necessary. Each clinic offers a presentation on a gardening topic and an opportunity to have your lawn, landscape or garden question answered by a Master Gardener. See our Calendar of Events for dates and times.

Addresses, maps and telephone numbers of Hillsborough County Libraries

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