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Is the Osceola County Master Gardener Volunteer program for you?
Do you like gardening, and want to learn more about it? Do you want to meet new people with similar interests? Do you like to share information with others?
If you answered yes to these questions, then the Osceola County Master Gardener Volunteer program may be for you.
The rapid urban growth in Osceola County is creating more interest in the environment and home gardening. The increasing number of homeowner questions to County Extension Service agents is where the Master Gardener volunteers come in. They assist county residents with gardening questions and other educational efforts.
The Master Gardener Volunteer program was established in Osceola County in 1981. Extension agents and specialists from UF/IFAS provide the training for the Master Gardener volunteers. Master Gardeners Volunteers receive over 80 hours of training during a 4-month period. Classes are held on a variety of gardening topics, including citrus, pest management, and lawn care. Through education, field trips, demonstrations, and activities, class participants learn about soils, insects, plant diseases, weeds, efficient irrigation, attracting wildlife, natural ecosystems and native plants.
How can you be part of this program? Extension Services is taking applications for the upcoming class. You need no previous training or experience, and you will learn about many gardening topics. The enrollment fee includes useful books, publications, access to educational videos and more.
This is a chance to meet fellow plant people, learn, and help others. There are many different activities which can be done to fulfill your yearly volunteer requirement, such as classes, meetings, field trips, working in our gardens, and helping in the Plant Clinic, among others.
A great fringe benefit from all of this is that your own yard will improve since you will be able to find out all the answers to your own problems. Everyone needs the support of fellow gardeners with similar interests, so do not miss this great opportunity. The application deadline is July 30.
Call Extension Services at 321-697-3000 or email epabon5@ufl. edu, the Master Gardener Coordinator, for more information about the program.
