Master Gardener Program
What is the Master Gardener Program?
In Duval County, the Master Gardener Program began in 1983. Volunteers in this program have a sincere desire to help others, a desire to learn and a personal commitment to volunteer service.
Duval County Master Gardener Program Volunteers
There are over 100 Master Gardener Volunteers in Duval County. They share their gardening experience and knowledge by volunteering to answer questions called in to the Extension Office; assist with Junior Master Gardener Program at several local schools; plant and maintain demonstration and community gardens; conduct plant clinics at local nurseries; test soil pH; write gardening articles for local newspapers and speak to local groups about gardening topics.
Advanced Training
Training never ceases for the active Master Gardener. Quarterly training meetings give them the opportunity to gain additional gardening information of a timely nature. There is an annual tour of a horticultural business or site of interest. Once a year, advanced Master Gardener training is offered at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
How to become a Master Gardener Volunteer
Request an application, fill it in and return it. Applications will be mailed out in June for the fall class. Selection to become a candidate for the Master Gardener Program is not based on prior training, education, knowledge or experience. All that is required is a sincere desire to help others, a desire to learn and a personal commitment to volunteer 50 hours of volunteer service each year and acquire 10 hours of advanced training per year. A ten week Master Gardening course is conducted in the fall of each year which offers the basics for being a Master Gardener.
For more information or to request an application, contact Terry DelValle at (904) 387-8850 or email.
