Master Gardener Volunteer Program

The University of Florida/IFAS Manatee County Master Gardener Volunteer Program trains and retains horticulture volunteers for the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Service. The mission of the Organization is to assist the UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension Horticulture agent by educating and informing the residents of Manatee County about effective, environmentally sound, research-based methods of cultivating plants in the home garden and landscape.

Have questions about a plant from your yard? Want to get your soil tested? Looking for more information about Florida friendly plants for your yard? Contact our Master Gardener Plant Clinic at (941) 722-4524 or visit in person weekdays (except Wednesdays) from 9:00am-4:00pm.

Contact Mack Lessig at [email protected] or (941) 722-4524 ext.1821 for more information about the Master Gardener Volunteer Training for 2026.

Further Resources

Manatee County Master Gardener Homepage

Manatee County Master Gardener Email Blast 

The Garden Bench Monthly Newsletter 

Florida Master Gardener State Program 

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program

The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program in Manatee County empowers residents to create beautiful and healthy landscapes that are perfectly suited to our unique Florida environment. Based on nine core principles, we provide research-based guidance on topics like choosing the "right plant, right place," watering efficiently, reducing stormwater runoff, attracting wildlife, and managing pests responsibly.

Further Resources

Program YouTube 

Landscape Assistance Program Consultation 

FFL Program Homepage 

Gardening Solutions 

Community Gardens

The Community Gardens Program in Manatee County manages the county's public gardens where residents can come together to cultivate their own food, share knowledge, and build stronger communities. Emphasizing education and sustainable practices, we provide support, resources, and hands-on workshops on planting seasons, cultivation techniques, and more.

Manatee County Community Garden Locations:

Patricia & Dr. Carroll Geraldson Community Garden (our newest community garden!)

1401 99th St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209

Manatee Square Garden Food Forest

216 6th Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208

Elwood Park Community Garden

4008 39th Street E, Bradenton, FL 34208.

Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) and Water Conservation Program

This program provides research-proven information to residents to help reduce their usage of drinking-quality water for irrigation while maintaining attractive, healthy landscapes.

Call our office today at (941) 722-4524 for your FREE personalized evaluation of your irrigation and landscape with our Mobile Irrigation Lab for possible water savings.

Further Resources

Mobile Irrigation Lab Homepage 

MIL Handbook 

Program Video 

Apply for an Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate