Master Gardener Training

Congratulations to 24 bright and shiny new Master Gardeners from the class of 2023 who are ready to help Sacramento County gardeners. Click picture to enlarge.

We will not hold Master Gardener Training in 2024. Check back here in summer 2024 for information on future training programs.

Master Gardener applicants are required to be Sacramento County residents and contribute 50 hours of community volunteer work within the first year after graduation.  Those activities include: conduct workshops, diagnose plant problems, speak to community groups and dispense advice over the phone, and in writing.  The focus is education for the public and FUN for you!

Find more about our program below on this page. 

Who are Master Gardener candidates?

Applicants must be residents of Sacramento County and should possess:

• a history of volunteering, a desire to share what they learn, and teach gardening skills.
  
  
• a basic knowledge of landscape and food gardening.
  
  
• an interest in increasing their horticultural knowledge and skills.
  
  
• the ability to meet application requirements:
  
  
  • submit a completed application--provided here during the application period
  • attend a Meet the Master Gardener orientation session
  • attend a 20-minute interview

Who teaches the classes and what will I learn?

All classes are taught by University specialists, horticulture advisors, and community experts. Topics include:

• basics of soil
• irrigation and fertilization
• water conservation
• identification and control methods for insects
• diseases and weeds
• proper care of vegetables
• fruit and landscape trees
• turfgrass

Is there a fee charged for the training classes?

The training fee will be posted at the time applications are available.

What happens after I graduate and become a Master Gardener?

Master Gardeners will:

• Contribute 50 hours of community volunteer work during the first 12 months. Every year thereafter, 25 hours of volunteer activity is required.
  
  
• UCCE approved volunteer opportunities for Master Gardeners to extend University research based information to the gardening community in Sacramento County include:
  
  
  • Conduct workshops, diagnose plant problems, and speak to community groups.
    
    
  • Offer advice over the phone and with social and mass media.
    
    
  • Complete 12 hours of continuing education and attend monthly meetings held the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7:00 till 9:00 PM.
    
    
  • Submit monthly records of volunteer activities and contacts.

For additional information, call the UC Cooperative Extension office at 916-876-5338.

UCCE Master Gardener Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Find our office