We have an amazing opportunity coming up here at the Osceola County Extension Services — it is time to sign up for the new Master Gardener Volunteer classes now.
Why is it a good idea to become a Florida Master Gardener? If you want to help the community, learn more about gardening, this is for you.
Many new Osceola County residents are from other states or even other countries, and have no background or knowledge about which plants will survive in this climate. Some plants need more cold weather than we ever get, while others can freeze. We can avoid wasting money on the wrong plants if we have the correct knowledge. Some plants are seasonal and can only be grown during certain times of the year. Summer annuals in the northern U.S. may become winter annuals here. Summer vegetable garden plants in the north may only work in the fall here. Soil moisture varies here, since some areas can be swampy, while other areas drain immediately.
Find out more about the natural world as well. What kinds of butterflies, birds or other wildlife can you attract? What can you plant for them?
Learn about managing plant pests and diseases. Other subjects covered will include soil preparation, plant propagation, vegetables, Florida-Friendly plants, irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and specific plant care.
In order to qualify to become a Master Gardener Volunteer, complete the 50 hours of classes, and then volunteer for 75 hours during the first year, plus 10 hours of continuing educational classes. Volunteers serve 35 volunteer hours and 10 continuing education hours annually after the first year to maintain their status.
What is the volunteer work like? Help others with gardening questions from our Plant Clinic or by teaching at school gardens. Other opportunities include helping with 4-H classes, helping with our fund raising plant market, maintaining demonstration gardens at the Extension Center, and assisting our UF/IFAS agents with our educational outreach. There are even enjoyable field trips t hat provide continuing education time.
If you are ready to increase your plant knowledge, help the community, meet likeminded people, and see results in your own yard, do not hesitate to call and sign up today! If you have questions please call, 321-697-3000 or sign up direct today at https://tinyurl.com/ocmgv23.
