Sept. 29 – Oct. 1

FREE Virtual 2020
UC Master Gardener Mini Conference

Live streamed to Facebook and YouTube 

No need to register, just pick and choose which sessions to attend. If you can't make it LIVE all sessions will be recorded and posted on YouTube and Facebook.

Day 1: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020

Click the video to play

1A: Growing Together Through it All!
9-10 a.m., LiveStreamed: Facebook and YouTube click the video to play

We’ll kick off the conference with celebrations of all UC Master Gardener volunteers who have continued to provide impactful programming despite the many challenges 2020 has given us. As part of our celebration, we’ll recognize those volunteers who have achieved hour milestones of 5,000 and more. The kickoff presentation will also focus on the important role our program has in local and statewide efforts to be resilient through change. We’ll look ahead to our vision for the future of the UC Master Gardener Program before we wrap up with an overview of the virtual conference. 

1B: Gardeners with Heart: Incredible Volunteers Doing Incredible Work
12-1 p.m., LiveStreamed: Facebook and YouTube click the video to play

Join us for a panel discussion with volunteers who were nominated as Gardeners with Heart and discuss their volunteer experience with the UC Master Gardener Program.

1C: Houseplants: Soil, water and such for sustainable indoor growing
3-4 p.m., LiveStreamed: Facebook and YouTube click the video to play

Of course sunlight is very important for indoor plants and is the most important resource insufficiently provided to houseplants. But, what else should indoor growers do and take into consideration when growing plants indoors if you're not in Hawaii or a tropical country where most houseplants plants originate?  

Day 2: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020

2A: Composting for Soil Health
9-10 a.m., LiveStreamed: Facebook and YouTube click the video to play

There are so many organic materials that we throw into our garbage cans that can be transformed into a wonderful soil amendment by way of home composting.  The practice of composting is not a “one size fits all” thing; different household situations call for different methods of composting.  Learn how to take your situation and utilize a system of composting that works for you and your garden!

2B: Search for Excellence Winner: Reminiscence Gardening
12-1 p.m., LiveStreamed: Facebook and YouTube click the video to play

First place winner of the UC Master Gardener Program Search for Excellence (SFE) will present on their winning project, Reminiscence Gardening, which focuses on working with the elderly and those who have Alzheimer's. SFE recognizes projects that exemplify the incredible impacts programs are making across the state. Attend, enjoy, and learn about our phenomenal 2020 SFE winners.

2C: Search for Excellence Second Place: Gardening with Underserved Communities 
3-4 p.m., LiveStreamed: Facebook and YouTube click the video to play

Second place winner of the UC Master Gardener Program Search for Excellence (SFE) will present on their winning project, Gardening with Underserved Communities. SFE recognizes projects that exemplify the incredible impacts programs are making across the state. Attend, enjoy, and learn about our phenomenal 2020 SFE winners.

Day 3: Thursday Oct. 1, 2020

3A: Fire Safe Landscaping, S. Calif. Focus
9-10 a.m., LiveStreamed: Facebook and YouTube click the video to play

SAFE Landscapes shows step-by-step how to develop a fire-resistant landscape where plants and hardscape are maintained so that they do not easily transmit fire. We explain how to establish your defensible space so that the risk of fire transmission to your property is reduced, and fire fighters can safely protect your home. 

Fire is a part of the natural environment in Southern California. If you live in the wildland-urban interface, it is not a question of IF a fire will occur, but WHEN. Be prepared. SAFE Landscapes is focused on Southern California, but these basic concepts can be used and applied throughout California.

3B: Preserving Your Garden Harvest
12-1 p.m., LiveStreamed: Facebook and YouTube click the video to play

If your garden produces more than you can eat within a couple of days, you’ll need to preserve the food so it doesn’t go to waste. Learn the basics of safely harvesting, freezing, dehydrating and canning your produce. Receive links to additional resources with information, recipes, and video links to help you confidently preserve your harvest.

3C: Search for Excellence Third Place: Mornings at Martial Cottle Park ... Lessons in the garden for school children click the video to play
3-4 p.m., LiveStreamed: Facebook and YouTube click the video to play

Third place winner of the UC Master Gardener Program Search for Excellence (SFE) will present on their winning project Mornings at Martial Cottle Park ... Lessons in the garden for school children.  SFE recognizes projects that exemplify the incredible impacts programs are making across the state. Attend, enjoy, and learn about our phenomenal 2020 SFE winners.