What We Do

Program Impacts Annual Report

Program Impacts 2019/2020 Annual Report

The 2019/2020 annual report details the remarkable work and positive impacts made by UC Master Gardener volunteers throughout California. 

State-wide, MG volunteers have:

Taught food gardening best practices in communities throughout California. Last year, 73% of our clientele reported improved practices in growing edible plants.

Improved monitoring for insects, weeds and diseases. 74% of surveyed participants reported an increase in monitoring activities which can lead to a reduction in the use of pesticides.

Encouraged people to get outside and connect with nature. 69% of attendees at UC Master Gardener events reported spending more time gardening or outdoors.

The UC Master Gardener Program annual report is focused on our collective accomplishments and all of the ways we connect with our mission throughout the year, the real story is centered on each and every one of our 6,215 volunteers. Our volunteers are the core of the UC Master Gardener Program.

Annual Report

Locally, the UC Master Gardeners have helped San Luis Obispo County residents grow more food, use less water and less pesticides and choose the right plants for their gardens.

Food Gardening

We offered workshops on vegetables, herbs, blackberries and fruit trees to residents the tools and confidence to grow their own fresh produce. Attendees reported an increase in the variety of edible plants they grow, and many started donating extra produce to local food banks and food pantries.

Water Conservation

Our irrigation and turf replacement workshops helped SLO County residents better understand irrigation timers and offered turf alternative ideas, further decreasing the amount of water used in the landscape.

Pest Management – Insects, Weeds and Diseases

Residents who attended our workshops on invasive plants, fruit trees and vegetable gardening reported improvements in their monitoring activities, and many have reduced the amount of pesticides they use in the garden.

Right Plant, Right Place

Workshop attendees have improved their plant selection skills. Selecting the right plant for the right place reduces the overall amount of inputs needed, including personal time and added products, for plants to thrive.

More Time Spent Outdoors

The majority of those who attended our workshops reported spending more time outdoors, simply enjoying their gardens.