- Author: Kathy Low
In a couple of weeks, the application period for the 2023 class of Master Gardeners will open. Below are ten reasons you should consider applying to undergo the training to become a Master Gardener.
1. You'll receive a well-rounded education in home gardening.
Over the course of approximately sixteen weeks, you'll learn about various aspects of home gardening. You'll learn about basic horticulture, water management, weeds, pests, trees, fruit trees, growing vegetables, composting and so much more from experts in their field.
2. You'll Have Access to Continuing Education Opportunities
Your gardening education doesn't end once you become a Master Gardener. Instead, you'll enjoy a lifetime of learning. On an ongoing basis, you'll be sent information on a variety of upcoming continuing education opportunities you can select to attend virtually or in person. And if you ever feel like you need a refresher on the basic information you learned, you are always welcome to audit any course in the basic training program as often as desired.
3. You'll Become Familiar with Reliable Resources to Answer Your Gardening Questions.
As a Master Gardener, you'll learn the best “go-to” resources to answer gardening questions. These are resources you'll find yourself constantly using in the future as various gardening questions arise. And if you have to go to other sources to find information, you'll learn how to determine if the information is reliable.
4. You'll Have Access to Experts as Needed
As needed, you'll have access to UC Farm Advisors and other UC-affiliated experts to help you with your difficult gardening situations or questions.
5. You'll Have the Opportunity to Make New Friends with People Who Share a Common Interest.
If you took an informal survey of Master Gardeners about what they enjoy about the program, the friendships made, and the friendships among Master Gardeners would be near the top of the list. There's a camaraderie among Master Gardeners. Gardeners are by nature nurturing and supportive people. As a Master Gardener, you'll meet and make many new friends with fellow Master Gardeners who share a love of gardening.
6. You'll Enjoy Organized Outings/ Field Trips with Fellow Master Gardeners.
Throughout the year you'll have the opportunity to sign up to go on organized outings with fellow Master Gardeners. An example of past locations of field trips included the Berryhill Botanic Garden, the Filoli Gardens, and the Wolfskill Experimental Orchards.
7. Unlike Other Volunteer Programs, You are in Charge of Your Volunteer Activities.
You decide when, where and what activities you want to participate in. Once you become a Master Gardener, you'll have access to a volunteer activities calendar. You select the activities, dates, and locations of the activities you wish to volunteer for. The calendar also contains information on whether the activity is for adults or children, so you also get to select the target audience you wish to volunteer to help.
8. You'll Help Nurture and Grow Future Gardeners.
Through your Master Gardener volunteer activities, be it staffing an information table, giving a talk, or writing for the newsletter or blog, you are helping to nurture and grow a future generation of gardeners. What a wonderful legacy to leave behind.
9. You Have the Opportunity to Give Back to Your Community.
As a Master Gardener volunteer sharing your knowledge and time, you are giving back to your community while having fun doing it.
10. You'll Receive a 40% Discount on UC ANR Publications.
And last but not least, as a Master Gardener, you'll receive a 40% on the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources publications. UC ANR publications include the popular books The Home Orchard: Growing Your Own Deciduous Fruit and Nut Trees, and Pests of the Garden and Small Farm. Who doesn't like saving money?
So take the plunge today and apply to become a UCCE Master Gardener. For more information, contact Jennifer Baumbach, Program Coordinator, UCCE Master Gardener Program Solano and Yolo Counties, at jmbaumbach@ucanr.edu or by phone at (707) 389-0645 (texts okay).