Master Gardener Program

Do you enjoy plants and gardening?  Do you enjoy reading and learning?  Are you passionate about improving the environmental health of your home, landscape and community?  Do you enjoy sharing information with others?  Then the Master Gardener Program may be for you! 

This program is sponsored by the University of Florida/Manatee County Extension Service and teaches effective, environmentally-sound, research-based methods of growing plants. After completing the course, the Master Gardener then donates time to teach and inform the community about these growing methods.  We have a great group of people and we have lots of fun together. 

The Master Gardener Program offers a Diagnostic Plant Clinic for Homeowners. Visit the plant diagnostic clinic and bring with you: plant and insect specimens for identification, or diseased plants for problem determination. You may visit us in person or call us Monday through Friday from 9 am – 4pm. If we cannot resolve your issue, for a minimal fee, we have the option to send your specimen to the University of Florida for an expert analysis.

The Master Gardener Program also has an email link for you to send photographs or ask the master gardeners questions. The link is manateemg@gmail.com Use our link, if you have a question that just can’t wait for Monday through Friday 9-4. Note that phone calls and visits to the plant clinic are the ideal way to solve your gardening problems, but we want many venues available to resolve your gardening challenge.

Master Gardener Volunteer Program

What is the Master Gardener Program?

The Master Gardener Program provides gardeners with intensive education in horticultural principles. Participants who complete the program are certified as "MASTER GARDENERS" by the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Working with the Extension Agent, Master Gardeners provide volunteer leadership and service to Manatee County. This service consists of such things as answering gardening questions, conducting plant clinics, beautifying the community, and other activities which promote horticulture.

How do I become a Master Gardener?

The desire to help others is a first and absolute requirement. A personal commitment to complete training and to serve the required volunteer service hours after completing training is equally important. 

To learn more about becoming a Master Gardener contact the County Extension Office -- (941) 722-4524. Enrollment is limited and selection is highly competitive, so call today and learn how you can become a "Florida Master Gardener".

After receiving intensive horticulture training and satisfactorily meeting other program requirements, Master Gardeners are required to provide 75 volunteer hours the first year and 50 hours each year thereafter to remain current.
Many Master Gardeners far exceed the required service hours, some giving over 200 hours per year.

Applying for the Master Gardener Program

Please read the Training Booklet before filling out the application!

• Training Booklet (328KB pdf)
• Master Gardener Application (91KB pdf)

To receive an application for the Master Gardener program by mail, please call Lisa Hickey at (941)722-4524 ext. 238,
Monday-Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm or request an application by sending an email to Lisa Hickey.

Specific Services Available

1. Least toxic methods of control - Cultural, mechanical, biological, oils, soaps and Bt (See bulletin--32KB pdf )
2. Educational publications
3. Florida Yards & Neighborhoods sign-up - Click on the FY&N link to the left or stop by the Extension office!
4. Diagnosing plant problems - please bring in a sample that has both the dead and living sections.
   (NOTE: For grass samples: be sure to bring in a square foot area including the soil about 1-2 inches deep.)
5. Insect identification
6. Reptile identification
7. Soil and water testing for pH and salt only
8. A Monthly Gardening Calendar
   This online calendar provides gardeners across the state with a monthly guide of what to plant and do in their gardens, all based on UF/IFAS research and expertise. It was developed in response to common gardening-related questions that county Extension agents receive.

Diagnostic Services Available for a Fee

1. Soil testing - pH and soluble salts
2. Water testing - pH and soluble salts.
   (NOTE: Bring in a pint of water in an airtight container.  Run your system 20-30 minutes before taking water sample.)
3. Insect identification and control measures.
4. Weed identification and control measures.

How to Take a Soil Sample

Divide areas for sampling. For a tree or shrub, sample 3 or 4 spots around the plant and mix together. For a large yard divide into front, back and side areas. Combine samples and remove a pint of soil from this mixture.  Identify samples by a letter or number. Make a sketch or record so you will know which sample came from where. Bring the samples to the Extension Office.

Related Links

• UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture
• Florida Yards & Neighborhoods
• North American Butterfly Association
• Association of Florida Native Nurseries
• Florida Native Plant Society
• Composting Information
• UF Pest Alert, Florida Insect Control Guide
• Featured Creatures (Insects)
• Turf
• Web sites for insects, mites etc.
• University of Florida Publications