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UC Master Gardener Coordinators

Writing Guidelines

© University of California
The writing style for the UC Master Gardener Program should be friendly and approachable, while remaining professional and based on credible research. The UC Master Gardener Program has a unique role in taking sometimes complex home horticulture research and making it easy to understand and accessible to the general public, regardless of educational background.

Questions? Contact: 
Barbra Braatan 
Statewide Communications Specialist
bbraaten@ucanr.edu
(530) 203-8590

UC ANR Writing Style Manual

The preferred style manual for UC ANR and the UC Master Gardener Program is the Associated Press or AP Style Guide, more scientific or academic communications can follow the Chicago Manual of Style. 

UC ANR developed an internal ANR Writing Style Guide for quick reference on commonly used words.

UC ANR and UC Cooperative Extension:

  • UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR)
  • University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) or UC Cooperative Extension
  • UC Master Gardener Program

Volunteers:

  • UC Master Gardener or UC Master Gardener volunteer

County-based program:

  • UC Master Gardener Program of _________ County or UC Master Gardener Program of _________ and _________ Counties. 

Please note: the term “UC Master Gardener” should always be capitalized, this is the same for the term “UC Master Gardener Program”. Do not use periods in the initialism of UC, for example, U.C. is incorrect.

Commonly Used Acronyms

Reference the UC ANR Acronym Directory for a full list of commonly used acronyms and definitions.

  • CE – Cooperative Extension
  • UC ANR – University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources 
  • UC - University of California
  • UCCE - University of California Cooperative Extension: UC ANR’s outreach arm, with farm, nutrition, family and consumer sciences advisors based in more than 50 county offices. In addition, Cooperative Extension specialists are headquartered at UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and UC Riverside, where they conduct research and coordinate advisors’ activities.
  • UC IPM – UC Integrated Pest Management: the control of pests or diseases by using an array of crop production strategies, combined with careful monitoring of insect pests or weed populations and other methods.

Please note: The following acronyms and/or terms should not be used on materials developed or available to the general public.   

  • MFP – Master Food Preserver: Using the acronym ‘MFP’ does not accurately translate to the public what the UC Master Food Preserver Program is and does not connect back to the University.
  • MG – Master Gardener: Using the acronym ‘MG’ does not accurately translate to the public what the UC Master Gardener Program is and does not connect back to the University.
  • MGP – Master Gardener Program

Quick Tips:

Do:

  • UC Master Gardeners of ABC County
  • UC Master Gardeners of ABC and DEF Counties

Don't:

  • ABC County Master Gardener Program
  • Master Gardeners of ABC County
  • Master Gardener Program, UC Cooperative Extension, ABC County

Understanding the Importance of Using 'UC Master Gardener' Over 'MG'

In our commitment to maintaining clear communication and a strong brand identity, we prioritize using "UC Master Gardener" instead of the acronym "MG". Let's delve into the reasons:

  • Clarity for Broader Audience: Acronyms can be misleading. While "MG" signifies Master Gardener for insiders, outsiders might confuse it with "magnesium" or the car brand "MG". This potential confusion hinders our reach and message.
  • Branding and Recognition: "UC Master Gardener" not only signifies expertise but also aligns us directly with the esteemed University of California. This full title bolsters the program's legitimacy and credibility.
  • Connection to the University: The full title reinforces our tie to the University of California, leveraging its reputation to bolster our own.
  • Consistent Messaging: Consistency is the cornerstone of impactful marketing. A mix of "MG" and "UC Master Gardener" can fragment our brand perception, diluting our message's effectiveness.
  • Accessibility: We aim to be as welcoming and inclusive as possible. The term "MG" might act as an unnecessary obstacle for newcomers or those unfamiliar with gardening programs, forcing them to decipher its meaning.
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO): In the digital age,  searchability is key. Terms like "Master Gardener" or "University of California gardening program" have a better SEO footprint than the acronym "MG", ensuring we maintain high online visibility.

Our overarching marketing principle is to ensure clarity and broad understanding. By using "UC Master Gardener", we align with this goal, enhancing our program's visibility and reputation.

Writing a Press Release

When it comes to creating paragraphs in your news releases, short paragraphs are easier to read so try to keep them to one, two or three short sentences. Leave a space between them, rather than indenting.

Also, it is now customary to place only ONE space between sentences (not two). 

When you mention the UC Master Gardener Program for the first time, refer to the program like this: “UC Master Gardeners of ______ County, a program of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.” Be sure to link your local website and embed https://ucanr.edu into the name of our umbrella organization. If the sentence is lengthy, write a separate sentence: UC Master Gardeners is a program of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.” You can use UC ANR on subsequent references. 

Gather information:

  • Name of meeting
  • Date, begin time and ending time
  • Foreign language translation availability
  • Location of meeting – name of facility, street address and city
  • Primary audience
  • Registration fee, deadlines, website, telephone and email address
  • Payment details
  • Overnight accommodations – hotel, cost
  • Professional credit
  • Newsworthy topics
  • Agenda, speaker names and titles
  • Program sponsors
  • Contact information

Download UC Master Gardener Event News Release Template (Word)

UC Master Gardener Program - Boilerplate language

The following language is included at the end of news releases that are sent to the media:

The UC Master Gardener Program is a statewide program of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. Our mission is to empower people with knowledge and skills to grow food and garden sustainably, protecting California’s natural resources. By customizing local gardening outreach to account for unique local landscapes and the diversity of California's residents, we strive to meet the needs of all the communities we serve. Learn more at mg.ucanr.edu and support our work at donate.ucanr.edu. 

Media Training Session 1

Available Resources:

Additional Resources: