Escambia County Master Gardeners

• Group Talks
• Plant Clinic
• Low Impact Gardening
• Request a Master Gardener Application (2009-10 application process closed).

Introduction

The Escambia County Master Gardener Program was established in 1984, jointly with Santa Rosa County.  Since that time each county has developed their own program to assist their respective Horticulture Agent.  The Escambia County Master Gardener Association currently has 78 certified volunteers and 16 trainees. Volunteers have contributed more than 120,056 hours of service to the Extension Horticulture Program since 1987, providing services worth $2,431,134.

What Are Master Gardener Volunteers?

Escambia County Master Gardeners are a dedicated group of volunteers certified by University of Florida Extension. The volunteers are able to serve the community through horticultural education. They address important issues such as water quality or pesticide safety, assist homeowners with gardening questions, help schools establish learning gardens, develop educational materials, or participate in various community horticulture projects. 

How Does One Become A Master Gardener Volunteer?

Interested community members complete an application (available each September) and participate in a selection process conducted by the Horticulture Agent and veteran Master Gardeners. 

Master Gardener training applications will be available from September 1 - September 18. You may request an application by calling Beth Bolles at 475-5230.

The selected trainees attend approximately 50 hours of training courses and then donate 50 hours of service to the community following their training.  Only then are participants certified as Florida Master Gardeners.  Classes are held on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in October, November, January, and February. The cost of the program is approximately $125.

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