UC Science Based Training
The application process for the UC Master Gardeners of Merced County's 2026 Training Class will open in fall 2025.
What is a UC Master Gardener?
UC Master Gardeners are trained representatives of the University of California Cooperative Extension. We provide research-based information, advice and education to the home gardener and general public.
As members of the statewide UC Master Gardener Program, we are helping to deliver the University of California's pioneering research directly into the hands of those who share a passion for gardening and environmental stewardship. As a program under UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), we pride ourselves on being more than just a gardening program— we are in our communities helping build more sustainable landscapes and gardening practices.
Who can be a Master Gardener?
Any Merced County adult resident with an interest in horticulture (plants, lawns, trees, vegetables and more) and public service are encouraged to apply for the Master Gardener Program.
Other requirements include time to complete the training and, upon certification, time to volunteer your knowledge with the community. A passion for gardening, curiosity, good communication skills to a diverse group of people and a desire for continued education also are valued traits of a Master Gardener.
What is the training program?
In 2026, the in-person training classes will start Saturday, January 10th and will meet on most Saturdays through early May, typically from 9 am to 1 pm at the UCCE Merced County Office Classroom, 2145 Wardrobe Ave, Merced. While in training, students are assigned a Master Gardener mentor who will support and assist students throughout the program.
Instructors are University of California Cooperative Extension Farm Advisers, horticultural specialists and community experts. The curriculum provides a practical course in plant science and horticulture. Topics include an introduction to horticulture; soil and plant nutrition; water and fertilizer management; pest identification and control; management of home orchards and landscape trees; home vegetable gardening; plant diseases and diagnosis; composting; weed identification and management, and much more. The class includes lots of hands-on opportunities as well as field trips. Completion of the coursework, an oral presentation and a passing grade on the open book final exam earns the student certification as a Master Gardener.
Is there a fee for the training?
Yes, there is a fee to cover training and resource materials. The amount is determined once expenses for the upcoming program have been determined. The 2026 class fee will be approximately $200. The fee covers all books, supplies, equipment and field trips. Some scholarships are available.
What is the commitment to the program once certification is received?
New Master Gardeners are required to contribute 50 hours of community volunteer work during the twelve months following certification. In subsequent years the Master Gardener is required to contribute at least 25 volunteer hours each year to stay active. Most volunteer hours are earned working with other Master Gardeners in ongoing projects, such as Farmers Market info booth, Public Workshops, County Fair projects, and Demo Garden.
In addition, each Master Gardener must obtain at least 12 hours of continuing education each year. Continuing education programs are frequently made available to the Master Gardener at the monthly membership meeting, at Master Gardener conferences or special events.
What type of volunteer work is available?
Merced County has a number of programs and activities in which our Master Gardener volunteers contribute to our local community:
- Help answer individual gardening and pest management questions by email or phone.
- Provide help, advice, and seedlings at the Merced Farmers Market, on the first and third Saturdays of the month (March to October).
- Do public outreach at information booths at the Merced County Fair in Merced, the Spring Fair in Los Banos, the Nut Festival, and other fairs.
- Design, lead and facilitate monthly public workshops, talks to community groups, and demonstrations at local events.
- Build demonstration garden beds at the UCCE office.
- Write articles and gardening tips for publication in the monthly newsletter, the Merced County Times, and posts on social media.
- Contribute to the focus and leadership of the local organization by serving on the executive committee
- and other horticultural and gardening projects.
Fall 2025 Information Sessions
If you are considering applying for the 2026 program, we encourage you to attend one of our information sessions held at the UCCE -Merced County Classroom, 2145 Wardrobe Ave, Merced.
- Sat, Sep. 13, 2025 from 12 noon - 1 pm.
- Sat, Sep. 27, 2025 from 12 noon - 1 pm
Applications are due Friday, October 17, 2025. Please check back here for a link to the application.
If you can't attend the information sessions or have questions, please email us at ucanrmgmerced@gmail.com
Please join our newsletter subscriber list to receive information about training class, upcoming workshops and other Master Gardener activities.
A little more about us …
The Master Gardener concept originated in 1972 in Washington State. With a growing interest in home gardening and an increase in the volume of research-based information available, a group of university extension advisors sought a better way to disseminate information to the public. Thus, the Master Gardener Program was born. Introduced in California in 1979, with pilot programs in Riverside and Sacramento counties, there are now over 40 active Master Gardener programs in California. Merced has participated since 2009 and celebrated our 10-year anniversary in 2019!
Merced Master Gardeners are advised and supported by Scott Stoddard, County Director/Farm Advisor Merced County; Maxwell Norton, Farm Advisor Emeritus and Merced Master Gardener Coordinator; and Tom Dinwoodie, Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator for Merced County.