When and how do I apply to the program?
Apply now to show your interest in the next program class. We will contact you with more details about when the next class will start.

Base requirements to be enrolled in the program
You must be a resident of Stanislaus county, and perform volunteer hours in this county. You'll also need to pass a background check and be fingerprinted. Orientation meetings and interviews will be conducted after the application deadline.

Training Information
The next training is 19 weeks long, the classes are expected to be held in Stanislaus county at the Ag Center. 

Attendance is mandatory at all classes.

Is a fee charged for the training classes?
A fee of $180.00 (2019 fee is subject to change) to cover training and resource materials is charged for the training.

Who teaches the classes and what will I learn? All classes are taught by University specialists, horticulture advisors, and community experts. Topics include:

• introduction to horticulture
• soil
• water and fertilizer management 
• ornamentals and drought tolerant plants
• turf management
• landscape trees
• planting and maintenance
• introduction to insects
• integrated pest management
• water quality
• home vegetable gardening
• plant disease diagnosis
• weed identification and management
• home orchards
• fruit and nut trees
• small fruits and grapevines
• volunteerism
• diagnosing garden and landscape problems

What happens after I graduate and become a UC Master Gardener? After attending all class sessions, and all the weekly quizzes and final exam are completed, trainees receive a graduation certificate. New UC Master Gardeners are required to contribute fifty hours of community volunteer work during the next twelve months. Every year thereafter, twenty-five hours of volunteer activity is required.

UCCE approved volunteer opportunities are available for UC Master Gardeners to extend University research-based information to the gardening community in Stanislaus County. Volunteer activities include conducting workshops, diagnosing plant problems, and speaking to community groups. We also dispense advice over the phone and with social and mass media. Each year twelve hours of continuing education is also provided and required.