Would you like to become a UC Master Gardener Volunteer?
University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners are volunteers who extend horticulture education to communities in Orange County. Using a variety of activities such as workshops, lectures, a gardening hotline, and information booths at local events, we educate Orange County residents about home horticulture, sustainable landscaping, and integrated pest management using research-based information. Master Gardeners help increase gardening and science literacy to support healthy plants, healthy environments, and healthy communities. This is a volunteer program. It is not a class to teach gardening solely for your personal gain.
What is required?
•Basic knowledge and interest in landscape and food gardening
• Interest in increasing your horticulture skills as you volunteer
• Commitment to volunteer
• Basic computer skills
• Reside in Orange County
Master Gardener volunteer training classes cover a broad range of horticultural topics. The 2027 class will be conducted in-person at the UC South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine with a limited option to attend via Zoom. There will be a required class Orientation on November 19, 2026. Weekly classes will start January 14, 2027, and run until mid-May. All sessions will be on Thursday mornings and early afternoons. If you have other commitments that require more than one absence, we ask that you wait to apply in the future. Master Gardeners are required to complete minimum volunteer and continuing education hours each year.
To receive an application to be considered for the 2027 Master Gardeners Training program, potential applicants are required to attend ONE of the Information Day sessions below:
On Zoom on September 9
6:00 – 7:00 pm
In-person on September 10
10:00 – 11:00 am
UC South Coast Research & Extension Center