Welcome to the UC Master Gardeners of Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties website. Find links to our upcoming classes, learn about who we are and what we do, discover resources and tips for growing the most beautiful and productive garden in your space and consider joining us in the future as a UC Master Gardener! Our website includes information and classes for our neighbors in San Benito County as well.
This marks our sixth year partnering with Monterey County Gives, supporting our Portable Edible Gardens / Jardines Comestibles Portátiles (PEG) project—a program that helps families experiencing food insecurity grow fresh, healthy food at home. Each family receives a portable garden filled with vegetables and herbs of their choice, along with hands-on education taught in both English and Spanish. These skills build confidence and support continued gardening long after the first harvest. And this year we are also participating in the Santa Cruz Gives program as we extend the PEG project into Santa Cruz county!
We’re excited to expand the PEG program throughout Monterey County, including the Greenfield and Pajaro areas, and to begin serving families in Santa Cruz County. Our growth is supported by a generous partnership with the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, who are providing greenhouse space for plant propagation. A portion of the funds raised through Santa Cruz County Gives will help equip this greenhouse with the tools and infrastructure needed to produce healthy plants for our workshops.
The MC Gives and SC Gives campaigns are open now through December 31, and your support during this season of giving helps us reach more families with the tools, materials, and knowledge to grow their own food—strengthening both bodies and communities, one garden at a time.
You’re welcome to support us through either campaign - or both! And because each program includes a partial match, your donation goes even further.
Whichever you choose, your gift directly supports our mission. Thank you for helping us grow goodness across the Central Coast.
