Fresno and Madera county residents who want to share their passion for gardening with the public are encouraged to apply to become volunteer Master Gardeners.

The program, offered in counties throughout the state by the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, trains and certifies gardening enthusiasts to extend research-based knowledge on home horticulture, pest management and sustainable landscaping.

Currently there are about 270 Master Gardeners in Madera and Fresno counties. In 2027, Fresno will add 40 volunteers and Madera will add 10. The application period is now open through July 31, 2026, for the class of 2027.  After the deadline, applicants will be invited to Meet the Master Gardeners at the Garden of the Sun, where they will schedule their interview appointments. 

Joining the UC Master Gardeners requires a commitment, but the rewards are many.

“I can’t think of a better volunteer opportunity for someone who loves gardening,” said Amy Tobin, a member of the class of 2023. “It’s a chance to gain new knowledge and friends while giving back to your community.”

As Master Gardeners, volunteers can choose from a wide array of rewarding activities, such as social media and in-person outreach, tending plots at the Garden of the Sun, growing plants for the annual plant sale, writing articles about gardening, working on the Spring Garden Tour, participating in youth gardening programs, and answering questions the public sends to the helpline.

While the work is interesting and gratifying, many Master Gardeners cite their new friendships with like-minded volunteers as a key to their participation.

“I have always liked to garden and I love working at the Garden of the Sun,” said longtime Master Gardener John Kincaid. “I like the people I work with there even better.”

Class of 2025 Master Gardener Rich Barnes said that, for him, the volunteer program is a complete package. “Highly educational science-based information, wonderful people, and an opportunity to give back to the community in a wholesome way.” 

Tuition for first-year training is $250 and includes a copy of the 750-page UC Master Gardener handbook. Some partial scholarships are available.

The trainees attend four-hour classroom training sessions weekly for 16 weeks, plus complete homework and take part in hands-on training on topics that include plant science, soil and plant nutrition, water and fertilizer management, pest identification and management, vegetable gardening and more. 

To be fully certified, the volunteers must pass a final exam at the end of classroom training and, during their first year, volunteer 50 hours on Master Gardener projects of their choice. In subsequent years, Master Gardeners must volunteer at least 25 hours and complete an additional 12 hours of continuing education to maintain their certification. Applicants must be at least 18 and a resident of Fresno or Madera county. For working with the public, fingerprinting and a background check are required.

Click here more information and to apply.

Email questions about the Fresno/Madera county Master Gardener class of 2027 to mgclass27@gmail.com.

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Written by UC Master Gardener Jeannette Warnert