Home Gardening Programs
 |
Please Note:
Below is a listing of annual classes and events, some of which are offered multiple times throughout the year. Please check our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates and locations. |
 Master Gardener Fall Gathering Plant Sale
This annual event, held in October, is unique in that all the plants for sale have been propagated by local Master Gardeners. Most of the plants are either native or Florida-Friendly (drought and/or pest tolerant), and are typically not something found in large-chain nurseries.
Types of plants include: annuals, perennials, interiors, butterfly attractors, herbs, ground covers, fruit trees, and shade trees. Other items for sale include: melaleuca mulch, rain barrels, fertilizer, decorative concrete leaves, gardening publications and seeds of all kinds. Master Gardeners will be on hand for expert advice. Admission and parking are FREE. No pets are allowed.
Gardening for Dummies
Marion County's subtropical climate can make it challenging at best to grow anything other than weeds! Gardening for Dummies was designed to take the guesswork out of how to grow and maintain a successful lawn or garden. Topics include vegetable gardening, lawn care, pruning, cost/eco-friendly techniques, and pesticide and fertilizer usage. This is a 5-part series. Pre-registration and a nominal fee to cover all five classes, snacks and course materials is required.
Vegetable Garden Expo
This annual event, held in the Fall at the local county Extension Service, offers both a plant sale and wide-array of educational seminars. In addition to live plants, vendors will be selling vegetable seeds & seedlings, containers, melaleuca mulch, soil amendments, potting mix, compost bins, fruit trees, micro-irrigation kits, rain barrels.
Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer plant-related questions and to give on-site tours of the local University of Florida IFAS vegetable and herb demonstration gardens. Admission is FREE. No pets are allowed.
Master Gardener Spring Festival *** visit web site for more information***
 One of the largest plant sales and gardening expos in the area, the festival is held the second weekend in March at the county Extension Service.
Patrons will enjoy a large array of plants, garden decor and water pond accessories all in one convenient location. Attendees can also brush-up on their knowledge through visiting a large variety of educational booths, in-garden talks and seminars.
Admission is $1 per adult; kids 12 and under are free. Parking is also free. No animals are allowed.
Master Gardener Certification Program
If you have a passion for gardening, love meeting new people, and don't mind volunteering some of your time, then this program is for you! The Master Gardener program is a statewide volunteer-driven program that benefits the UF/IFAS Extension Services and citizens. The program relies on dedicated volunteers who have an interest in gardening and in giving back to their communities.
What's involved in becoming a Master Gardener?
- 1. Attend orientation class
- 2. Submit an application form
- 3. Pass interview process and background check
- 4. Attend 13-week training program
5. Complete 85 volunteer hours
Training programs is held in late summer/early fall at the county Extension office. Pre-registration and a $140.00 fee to cover course materials is required.
|
