Master Gardener Program
What is a Master Gardener?
Master Gardener is a title granted by the University of Florida to individuals who complete their Master Gardener training and their volunteer hours. These are individuals who are interested in:
- Horticulture
- Educating and helping others
- Making civic contributions through volunteer work
What Does A Master Gardener Do?
Master Gardeners make an important contribution to the community by volunteering their time and learned expertise to assisting the County Extension Agents in several important ways.
- At the Extension office, Master Gardeners help answer homeowner questions about:
Flower& vegetable gardening
Tree & Lawn care
Plant selection
Weed, insect & disease identification
Landscape design
Pest Control
Pesticide & fertilizer use
Composting, recycling & mulching
- Advanced Master Gardeners assist the County Agents with:
Helping to start demonstration & community gardens
Horticultural presentations & demonstrations
Setting up plant clinics
Exploring environmentally friendly gardening practices
Staffing information booths at community events & plant shows
Teaching horticulture to beginner gardeners
How Do I Become A Master Gardener?
By attending the Master Gardener training program and completing an internship. Both are done at the Broward County Extension Education Division office in Davie, Florida.
How Is A Master Gardener Trained?
Through the Master Gardener training program, participants receive more than 80 hours of classroom and field training from University of Florida professors, horticulture professionals, gardening specialists and County Agents. The program is offered twice a year by the Broward County Extension Education Division (click here if you would like to receive notification of the next available class).
Master Gardeners learn about:
- Flower & Vegetable Gardening
- Annuals & Orchids
- Fruit Tree Types & Care
- Ornamental Tree & Shrub Care
- Palm Tree Types & Care
- Lawn Maintenance & Care
- Weed, Insect & Disease Identification
- Pesticide & Fertilizer Use
- Landscape Design & Pant Selection
- Composting, Recycling & Mulching
- Basic Plant Botany & Soil Types
- And much, much more
How do I apply and what does it cost?
Master Gardeners pay for their specialized training by volunteering a given number of hours of their time and expertise to the Broward County Extension Education Office. In addition to your volunteer contribution, there is a nominal fee to enroll in the course, which covers cost of educational materials.
To Apply: Download the Application form (click here), fill it out, and report on one of the days listed for interviews. Please bring a photo ID. If you need further information, please (click here).
