UCANR

Marketing

Marketing and communications are vital to the UC Master Gardener Program’s mission of extending gardening information. To do this, we use various channels, such as social media, newsletters, and websites, to inform our clientele, volunteers, donors, and leadership about program activities. Effective communication is essential for raising awareness about our educational resources and community projects, attracting new volunteers and clientele, and highlighting our impact on sustainable gardening practices.  

Resources

The statewide Marketing & Communications Team is here to help you create the best marketing strategy for your program. Here, you will find information on:

Marketing Newsletter 

For more marketing and communications information, make sure to join our monthly newsletter, Rooted in Marketing. This newsletter is open to staff and volunteers and includes monthly content inspiration guides, branding updates, and lots of tips and tricks. You can see past issues of Rooted here

AI

For information on how and when to use AI please read the guidelines shared by UCANR.

Connect with us!

If you can’t find what you need on the Coordinator Website, please join our weekly UC Master Gardener Communications Office Hours on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. or contact Barbra Braaten at bbraaten@ucanr.edu to schedule a one-on-one meeting.

Barbra Braaten 
Statewide Communications Specialist 
bbraaten@ucanr.edu

Melissa Womack
Assistant Director, Impact & Communication
mgwomack@ucanr.edu 

 

 

Rooted in Marketing

The "Rooted in Marketing Monthly Newsletter" is intended to help keep you informed and inspired in your marketing and communications efforts. Here's what you can look forward to every month:

  • Content Inspiration Guide
  • Branding Reminders
  • Local Successes and Celebrations
  • Quick Tips: Bite-sized, actionable advice to enhance your marketing strategies.
  • Training Resources

This tool isn't just a newsletter; it's your partner in marketing, helping you stay closely connected with your audience!  Sign up today!

 

If you have questions or suggestions for topics we should cover, please contact UC Master Gardener Communication Specialist Barbra Braaten at bbraaten@ucanr.edu

 

Rooted in Marketing - March 2026

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March is here, and with spring right around the corner, it’s a season of growth — not just in our gardens, but in how we communicate. As planting season ramps up, so does outreach, events and digital content. This month, we’re focusing on strengthening the way we share information, with updated accessibility resources and practical tools to help you create clear, inclusive content.

As always, thank you for the work you do to make research-based gardening information accessible across California.

Here's everything you'll find in this month's issue of Rooted in Marketing:

  • Making social media accessible
  • Accessibility resources
  • Accessibility tools in Canva and updated templates
  • May content inspiration
  • Upcoming and previous training

Digital copy: https://conta.cc/4u5aG2F

UC Master Gardener Coordinators

Rooted in Marketing - February 2026

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This issue of Rooted in Marketing marks the start of our third year—thank you for all the feedback along the way. We love seeing how your communications continue to grow and evolve.
 

Looking ahead, we’re shifting Rooted’s publication to the middle of the month to better balance competing priorities. Beginning in March, you’ll receive Rooted on the second Tuesday of each month. We’ll also be sharing content inspiration guides two months in advance to give you more time to plan ahead. This issue includes inspiration for both March and April.
We hope Rooted continues to be a helpful resource. If there are topics you’d like us to cover in the coming year, please let us know—we’re always glad to hear from you.
 

Here's everything you can find in this month's issue of Rooted in Marketing:

  • Accessibility - Why all the fuss?
  • Branding reminder on common mistakes
  • Resources - Accessibility Tips
  • March & April content inspirations
  • Upcoming & previous training
     

Digital Copy: https://conta.cc/4riD8Mh

UC Master Gardener Coordinators

Rooted in Marketing - January 2026

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Happy New Year. As we step into 2026, we are taking a moment to look back at everything we accomplished together in 2025. From navigating a new website platform to embracing a refreshed brand, you showed adaptability and a strong commitment to clear, effective communication. This month’s newsletter reflects that same forward momentum. It includes a year-in-review story, a brand audit checklist to help start the year strong, and a look ahead at what’s coming. Whether you are planning content, updating platforms, or easing back in after the holidays, we are here to support you. 

Here's everything you can find in this month's issue of Rooted in Marketing: 

  • Looking back, moving forward
  • New Year audit
  • February content inspirations
  • Upcoming & previous training
UC Master Gardener Coordinators

Rooted in Marketing - December 2025

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As we close out another year, it's time to reflect on everything you've accomplished. Your dedication to telling our story matters. Every post, newsletter, and event you've shared has helped extend our reach and strengthen connections in your communities. Thank you.

 

As we enter the busiest month for charitable giving, this issue provides tools to help you share your program's impact and invite year-end support.

 

Here's everything you can find in this month's issue of Rooted in Marketing:

  • December content inspirations
  • Holiday messaging best practices
  • Sharing your impact for year-end giving
  • Upcoming & previous training

 

If you have any questions or need help with marketing, join our weekly office hours, ask questions in our private Facebook group, or email us. We’re here to support you.

 

Happy Holidays! 🎄

Melissa & Barbra

UC Master Gardener Program

Statewide Communications Team

 

Digital version: https://conta.cc/4iw8BaE

UC Master Gardener Coordinators

Rooted in Marketing - November 2025

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November is here, and we're ready to help you wrap up the year strong! As we head into the final stretch of 2025, this month's newsletter focuses on planning ahead and making sure your program is using our updated branding correctly. We know you've been working hard to adapt to the new logo, and we want to provide clarity and resources to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Here's everything you can find in this month's issue of Rooted in Marketing:

  • December content inspirations
  • Branding update
  • Social media mark vs logo
  • Upcoming and previous training

Digital Version: https://conta.cc/3JA11yy

UC Master Gardener Coordinators

Rooted in Marketing - October 2025

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Happy October! Fall is here, and it’s the perfect time for growth and change in the UC Master Gardener Program. This month, we’re sharing updates that will shape how we communicate. From a new program logo to digital accessibility laws taking effect in 2026 and updated website features, there’s a lot happening in our program. We’re here to break it all down and help you prepare for what’s ahead. These updates will help us serve our communities better and reach more people — and that’s always something to celebrate.

 

Here's everything you can find in this month's issue of Rooted in Marketing:

  • November content inspirations
  • Branding update
  • Accessibility update
  • IWP update
  • Upcoming and previous training

 

If you have any questions or need help with marketing, join our weekly office hours, ask questions in our private Facebook group, or email us. We’re here to support you.

 

Digital Copy: https://conta.cc/46c0g7q

UC Master Gardener Coordinators

Rooted in Marketing - September 2025

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September is here, and as gardens across much of California are feeling the stress of summer heat, it's the perfect time to focus on one of your most powerful communication tools – newsletters! Whether you're sharing tips for helping gardens survive the late-summer heat, planning for fall planting, or keeping your community connected during the quieter gardening months, a well-crafted newsletter can help you reach and engage your audience effectively. This month, we're diving deep into newsletter best practices to help you create content that your readers will actually want to open and read.

 

Here's everything you can find in this month's issue of Rooted in Marketing:

  • October Content Inspirations
  • Newsletter Best Practices
  • From Newsletter to Social Media
  • New Instagram Updates
  • Upcoming & Previous Training


Digital version: https://conta.cc/4lHeQsc

UC Master Gardener Coordinators

Rooted in Marketing - August 2025

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August is here! While we're all busy with peak growing season, this month's issue focuses on working smarter, not harder—from building effective communications teams to managing your content more efficiently. 

 

Here's everything you can find in this month's issue of Rooted in Marketing:

  • September Content Inspirations
  • Communications Teams
  • Content Management
  • IWP Tune Up Checklist
  • IWP Updates
  • Canva Changes
  • Resources - Trello
  • Upcoming & Previous Training

Digital copy: https://conta.cc/3TSAtdv

UC Master Gardener Coordinators

Rooted in Marketing - July 2025

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July is here and summer is in full swing! Whether you're dodging sprinklers while checking on your tomatoes or scrambling to keep your community events from melting in the heat, we know you're juggling a lot right now. Take a few minutes to flip through this month's newsletter – we've got some good stuff in here that should make your job a little easier.

Here's everything you can find in this month's issue of Rooted in Marketing:

  • August content inspirations
  • Accessible Graphic Design
  • Canva Tips & Tricks
  • Local Successes and Celebrations
  • One-Sheet Webinar
  • Upcoming & previous training

If you have any questions or need help with marketing, join our weekly office hours, ask questions in our private Facebook social media group, or email us. We are here to support you.

Digital Copy: https://conta.cc/4laUKHk

UC Master Gardener Coordinators

Rooted in Marketing - June 2025

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Summer is here! This is a busy time for both our gardens and our marketing efforts. This month is National Garden Week, California Invasive Species Week, and National Pollinator Week. So much to talk about, all while we watch for our tomatoes to ripen. Remember, the first day of summer, June 20th, is the perfect day to update cover photos on Facebook and your website.

Here's everything you can find in this month's issue of Rooted in Marketing:

  • July content inspirations
  • Event promotion best practices
  • Sharing events on IWP -
  • Evaluation & events
  • UC Master Gardener marketing resources
  • Upcoming & previous training

If you have any questions or need help with marketing, join our weekly office hours, ask questions in our private Facebook social media group, or email us. We are here to support you.

Digital copy: https://conta.cc/437Dniy

UC Master Gardener Coordinators

Source URL: https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardener-coordinators/marketing