We are recruiting new Master Gardener volunteers for 2025!

Join a passionate group of nearly 200 volunteers across Alameda County who help the public learn safe, sustainable, and science-backed ways to grow your own food and manage the urban landscape. 

Learn more about the program, training, and volunteer requirements at an upcoming info session. It's a great time to meet other Master Gardeners and have your questions answered! You must attend an information session to apply for our 2025 training class.*

Upcoming information sessions

Sign up for one of our upcoming information sessions. To apply for our 2025 training class, you must attend an information session.*

• April 12 at 2pm at the Dublin Public Library
• April 14 at 10am at the West Oakland Library
• April 16 at 7pm via Zoom
• April 17 at 2pm via Zoom
• April 26 at 10am at the Hayward Public Hearing Room
• May 3 at 11:30am at the Oakland Unified School District's The Center (same day as our Annual Plant Sale fundraiser)

Sign up for an info session

About the UC Master Gardener Program

Master Gardeners help the public learn safe, sustainable, and science-backed ways to grow your own food and manage the urban landscape. We offer education as a public service to help promote gardening for all and build understanding in home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscaping.

To become a UC Master Gardener, volunteers go through a thorough training program that covers horticultural best practices, problem diagnosis, and working with the public.

Applications will be accepted from April 15 to May 15, 2025. The training program will be held from September to December 2025.

Application Requirements

• Be a current resident of Alameda County
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Must attend an info session*

*We're hosting several in-person and Zoom info sessions. If you're unable to attend them, you can watch a recording of an info session after April 17th.

Fees

A $310 non-refundable tuition fee is due upon acceptance into the program. A limited number of needs-based scholarships are available.

Background Check

As required by the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE), all volunteers must undergo a background check that includes Live Scan fingerprinting.

Volunteering as a UC Master Gardener

After completing the training program, UC Master Gardeners are required to perform 50 hours of volunteer work in their first year and then 25 hours each year after that. After their first year, they must complete 12 hours of continuing education annually.

Master Gardeners can be found volunteering on many projects including:

• Answering questions at our Help Desk or community events
• Mentoring and supporting school gardens
• Maintaining demonstration gardens
• Educating the public on gardening practices at demonstration gardens, community events, and libraries
• Promoting the UC Master Gardener program
• Creating educational content for the website and online channels
• And much more!
   

If you have any questions, you can contact us at MGPAlameda@ucanr.edu.