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Want to Become a Master Gardener?

Do you love to garden? Are you interested in lifelong learning and the science of gardening? Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge with others? And do you like the idea of community service? UC Master Gardeners Volunteers do all of these things and more! Working with a wonderful group of gardening enthusiasts you will gain knowledge about the life of the garden, and put what you know into practice for the benefit of others and our environment.

What is the Master Gardener Training Like?

The Imperial County UC Master Gardener Training program is an extensive 15 weeks training course, that provides a science-based, practical overview of horticulture and sustainable landscaping practices.

Training sessions will meet weekly on Saturday from January to June. The UCCE Imperial Office is the main headquarters of the UC Imperial County MG Program.

Classes are taught by experts ranging from University of California faculty and staff, landscape and nursery professionals, local horticulture educators and Certified Master Gardeners. Topics that may be covered in the Training Program include:

Botany & Plant Taxonomy		Landscape Design/Gardening "Central Valley Style"
Plant Propagation		Lawns and Groundcovers
Soils, Fertilizers, Compost, Amendments		Drought Tolerant & Native Plants
Water Needs and Irrigation Methods		Woody Landscape Plants (Trees & Shrubs)
Plant Diseases		Citrus and Grapes
Insects and Integrated Pest Management		Deciduous Fruit Trees
Weeds in Lawns and Landscapes		Diagnosing Plant Problems & Answering Questions
Vertebrate Pests		About our Local MG Program (Policy Guidelines Handbook)

The training uses the California Master Gardener Handbook Second Edition

Who Becomes a Master Gardener?

Any Imperial County resident with experience in gardening, an interest in horticulture and a desire to volunteer for community service may apply to the Master Gardener Training Program. Imperial County Master Gardeners are people of all ages and come from all walks of life. They share an enthusiasm for gardening, some knowledge of plants, a willingness to learn and help others, and the ability to communicate with diverse groups of people.

What is the Commitment to the Master Gardener Program?

In the first year Master Gardeners are required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of UCCE sponsored volunteer service and 12 hours of Continuing Education. In subsequent years, to remain a Certified Master Gardener, A minimum of 25 hours of UCCE sponsored volunteer service and 12 hours of Continuing Education are required.

What Type of Volunteer Work Does a Master Gardener Do?

Master Gardeners Volunteer are the go-to People for University of California research-based horticulture information and for teaching sustainable gardening practice for healthy homes and gardens.

Master Gardener Volunteer will have the option to staff an information help desk in the UCCE offices in Holtville, answering questions, diagnosing plant problems, and giving horticultural assistance to home gardeners. They can also provide information through newspaper articles, gardening festivals, talks, demonstrations and information booths at community events, plus other garden projects.

There is also an opportunity to work closely with the Master Gardener Coordinator to create new opportunity to get volunteer hours.