Become a Master Gardener! Class of 2025.
When are the next Master Gardener classes being held? What kind of qualifications do I need?
Thank you for your interest in The University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program. We are accepting applications until Friday, July 17,2025 for the next training course, which will begin in September 2025. We are seeking adults in Imperial County who have the time and desire to help educate others, love to grow plants, and want to learn more about horticulture. Inherent in the title "Master Gardener" (MG) lies the challenge to continue learning and to help other gardeners grow.
The training course is a series of about 15 classes that meet from 8:00 am to 11:30 pm on Saturdays, generally from September to December. There is a class fee to cover textbooks and other expenses. Classes are scheduled to be held at the University of CA-Cooperative Extension – Imperial County. (1050 E. Holton Road, Holtville 92250) California with some select classes taught via Zoom.
The classes taught by agricultural experts provide a basic introduction to horticulture and pest management. Topics include botany, soils and fertilizers, irrigation, entomology, plant pathology, weed management, vertebrate pests, and the culture of vegetables, fruit trees, and woody ornamentals. Students who successfully complete the training course and pass a final exam are certified as UCCE Master Gardeners.
Master Gardener volunteers help UCCE provide County residents with research-based information in the areas of home gardening, noncommercial horticulture and pest management. In exchange for their training, new Master Gardeners agree to complete at least 50 hours of volunteer service in approved activities within one year of being certified. After the first year, veteran Master Gardeners agree to complete a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer service and 12 hours of continuing education annually to remain active in the program.
The process for selecting students for a new Master Gardener class begins with a public information sessions, interested parties turning in an application, the UC Master Gardener Coordinator and UC Advisor will review all applications, interview applicants, and recommends individuals for the training class.