Master Gardener Program
The Master Gardener program is a volunteer based program for those people interested helping others. It involves going through more than 70 hours of education encompassing all areas gardening. In return for this education, we ask that you pledge to donate at least 75 hours of volunteer service during the following year. Most of this time is spent answering homeowners questions on the telephone.
Currently Master Gardeners in Orange County are answering an average of 1000 calls a month. This service is invaluable to residents of the area, because it supplies them with research based information that is readily available.
Master Gardeners volunteer in other ways than just manning the phones. Some help to maintain demonstrations gardens, man clinics around the county, test soil pH, teach classes, and help run some of the larger programs.
What Does A Master Gardener Do?
Master Gardeners make an important contribution to the community through volunteering their time and learned expertise by assisting the County Extension Agents in several ways:
Master Gardeners help answer homeowner questions about:
Native, Exotic & Invasive Exotic Plants
Flower and Vegetable Gardening
Tree & Lawn Care
Plant Selection
Weed, Insect & Disease Identification
Landscape Design
Pest & Disease Control
Plant Nutrition & Fertilizer Use
Composting, Recycling & Mulching
Advanced Master Gardeners assist the County Agents with:
Helping to Start Demonstration & Community Gardens
Horticulture Presentations & Demonstrations
Exploring Environmentally
Friendly Gardening Practices
Staffing Information Booths at Community Events & Plant Shows
Teaching Practices of the “Florida Yards & Neighborhoods” Program
Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Would you like to be a Master Gardener Volunteer? Master Gardeners assist residents of Florida in many ways including education, walk-in assistance, phone clinic, neighborhood walks, and more. Orange County Master Gardeners "know how to make things grow". More...
Orange County Master Gardener "Application"
Select the above link.
Orange County Master Gardener "Sample Syllabus"
Select the above link.
Orange County Master Gardener Newsletter: "pH News"
Select this link to see May 2008 "pH News"
Select this link to see April 2008 "pH News"
Select this link to see March 2008 "pH News"