2023 Polk County Master Gardener Volunteer Training

Since 1979, Master Gardener Volunteers have been actively involved in serving Florida residents through volunteering with the Florida Cooperative Extension Service.

After completing this course, intern Master Gardener Volunteers serve 75 volunteer hours assisting extension agents in providing research based horticulture education to Florida residents. After the intern year of volunteer service is complete, volunteers will graduate and become active Master Gardener Volunteers.  Certification is renewed annually by participating in 10 learning hours and completing 50 volunteer hours each year. They must also adhere to the Master Gardener Volunteer policies.

Student Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, you will be able to:  

• Explain the basic principles of horticulture in Florida, including native species and ecosystem considerations, soil health and management, plant biology and selection, and garden and landscape planning and maintenance.
• Apply practical solutions and troubleshoot landscape and garden issues.
• Apply the principles of integrated pest management and plant pathology in order to make recommendations for pests and disease management in home and community gardens.
• Critique the possibilities and limitations of Extension and its role in communicating science to the
• Identify various learning, diagnostics, and networking resources afforded to Master Gardener Volunteers