Master Gardener Training

Sacramento County Master Gardener training is currently scheduled to begin in January 2013. Training usually takes place every two to three years. Below is information about Master Gardener training.

Are you enthusiastic about landscaping and gardening? Do you wish to increase your knowledge and volunteer in the community? Are you a resident of Sacramento County? If yes, the Master Gardener training program could be for you.

Who teaches the classes and what will I learn? All classes are taught by University specialists, horticulture advisors, and community experts. Topics include:

introduction to horticulture
soil
water and fertilizer management
ornamentals and drought tolerant plants
turf management
landscape trees
planting and maintenance
introduction to insects
integrated pest management
water quality
home vegetable gardening
plant disease diagnosis
weed identification and management
home orchards
fruit and nut trees
small fruits and grapevines
volunteerism
diagnosing garden and landscape problems

How do I qualify to be a Sacramento County Master Gardener trainee? Applicants must be residents of Sacramento County. This Master Gardener program is administered by the Sacramento County Cooperative Extension office. If you are not a Sacramento County resident, contact your local Cooperative Extension office for training information.

A past history of volunteering in the community is the main qualification we look for in applicants. The past volunteer activities do not need to be horticulture related. Prior horticulture training and/or experience is preferred but not required.

Is there a fee charged for the training classes? The fee is about $165.00.

What happens after I graduate and become a Master Gardener? After attending all class sessions, and all the weekly quizzes and final exam are completed, trainees receive a graduation certificate. New Master Gardeners are required to contribute fifty hours of community volunteer work during the next twelve months. Every year thereafter, twenty-five hours of volunteer activity is required.

UCCE approved volunteer opportunities are available for Master Gardeners to extend University research based information to the gardening community in Sacramento County. Volunteer activities include conducting workshops, diagnosing plant problems, and speaking to community groups. We also dispense advice over the phone and with social and mass media. Each year twelve hours of continuing education is also required.

For additional information call the UC Cooperative Extension office at 916-875-6913.

UC Cooperative Extension Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.