- Author: Anne Schellman
Who are the UC Master Gardeners?
UC Master Gardeners are trained volunteers that help the public by teaching classes, attending outreach events, working in our demonstration gardens, answering our help line, and more!
How are UC Master Gardeners Trained?
Classes are taught by University experts on water management, soils and fertilizers, ornamental and drought tolerant plants, landscape tree care, vegetable and fruit tree care, integrated pest management, to name a few.
Program requirements include weekly reading and quizzes, and a final exam. All “tests” are open book, and collaboration on assignments is encouraged. Trainees are provided any needed assistance by Master Gardener mentors.
When does the Program start?
The weekly training program starts in January and ends in May of 2024. The training is held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. once a week for 18 weeks. (Trainees must complete 50 hours of instructional time to graduate.)
How Can I Apply and what is the Deadline?
Visit Become a UCCE Master Gardener website page for answers to frequently asked questions, and to download an online application. The application deadline is August 18, 2023. If you miss the deadline, please apply to be put on a waiting list.
Interest List
Last week I sent an email to people that signed up for our interest list. If you did not receive it, your email could not be delivered, bounced back, or was incorrect. (I received several of these notifications.) Please first check your spam, and then contact me if you believe your email may have been problematic.
Thanks!
*You must be a Stanislaus County resident to apply to this local program. For other county programs, visit http://mg.ucanr.edu/FindUs/
photos by Anne Schellman
- Author: Anne Schellman
- Soils and fertilizers
- Basic horticulture and botany
- Growing fruit and vegetables
- Water wise and sustainable landscaping
- Gardening for pollinators
- Integrated pest management
- Plant identification
And much more!
What's Ahead for our Program
Future Training Classes
Our program is modeled after the UCCE San Joaquin Master Gardeners, which train every-other-year. This means we will not have a training class for new Master Gardeners in 2023.
Schedule
Summer 2023 – Advertisement and Email to Interest List
Fall 2023 – Informational Meetings & Interviews
January 2024 – New Program Starts
Make sure you are on our interest list, and that you receive this e-newsletter, the Stanislaus Sprout, so you don't miss our training class announcement.
- Author: Anne E Schellman
Did you know?
- You don't need to be a gardening expert to become a Master Gardener.
- Trainees learn from University experts about low water use landscaping, vegetable and fruit gardening, composting, integrated pest management, and much more!
- Master Gardener grads volunteer 50 hours the first year and 25 hours the following years.
- Volunteer opportunities include teaching classes, staffing a booth at outreach events, working in our demonstration gardens, and answering Help Line calls.
- You don't have to be a speaker to be a Master Gardener. There are plenty of opportunities to work behind the scenes.
You must be Stanislaus County resident to apply. For other county programs, visit http://mg.ucanr.edu/FindUs/
How to Apply
- Pick up an application at our office.
- Download the fillable PDF. Type in your information.
- Download the PDF and print. Fill it out (please do not use cursive writing).
Due Date – September 3, 2021
- Mail your application to UCCE Master Gardeners, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Ste A, Modesto, CA 95358.
- Drop off your application in person; find us in the Stanislaus Building.
- Scan and email your application to ucmgstanisaus@ucanr.edu
*We are planning for the classes to be held in person at Harvest Hall in Modesto at the Ag Center. Master Gardener trainees must follow COVID-19 guidelines. In the event we cannot hold the training in person, we will conduct it online using Zoom.
For questions or concerns, please contact Anne Schellman at (209) 525-6862.
- Author: Anne E Schellman
Importance of Tree Selection:
When choosing a tree, you want to select one that has the size and characteristics suitable for your site. A well-chosen tree can save up to 15% in energy costs. And, a tree in front of a home can increase the appraised value* of a home by over $7,000!
However, if you select the wrong-size tree for your landscape, you could end up with problems such as:
· A tree that grows into a power line
· A large tree growing too close to your house
· Aggressive roots that are difficult to garden under or break up pavement
· Fruit or flowers that drop onto pavement
Importance of Planting:
Correctly planting a tree helps it get off to the right start so it can thrive for years to come. Often people bury the root ball (area of soil and roots) of trees too deeply. This makes the tree more susceptible to soil-borne diseases.
Importance of Pruning:
The first few years of a tree's life are the ideal time to prune and train a tree. Your tree should have a good structure that includes a single central leader and branches that are well spaced around the trunk. Untrained trees have a greater chance of developing limbs that break away from the tree, especially during storms or windy days.
To Stake or Not to Stake:
In most situations, it's not necessary to stake a tree. When you purchase a tree, the first thing you need to do is remove the nursery stake.
Resources:
You can pick up a free copy of our publication, Trees in Your Home Landscape from our office, or download it free from our Gardening Publications website.
*according to the Pacific Northwest Research Station http://www.itreetools.org/news/articles/PNW_scifi126_Sept2010.pdf
