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Become a UCCE Master Gardener

We will begin recruitment for the 2026 UC Master Gardener Training Program this summer. Please add your name to our interest list to hear about next steps: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=35723

What is the Master Gardener Program?
The program was created in the 1980's to help extend research from the University to the public. Our program is a part of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), and is run locally through UC Cooperative Extension offices (UCCE) in counties throughout the state.

Master Gardeners are community members trained through UC to extend research-based information on gardening, pest management, and sustainable landscaping. 

What is expected of me if I become a UCCE Master Gardener?
First year Master Gardeners contribute 50 volunteer hours the first year. After the first year, 25 volunteer hours plus 12 hours of continuing education are needed to continue participation in the program.

Approved volunteer opportunities available for UCCE Master Gardeners include:

  • Teaching classes to the public in a variety of locations.
  • Attending community events such as the County Fair, farmers markets and more. 
  • Diagnosing pest problems on our Help Line or at the Help Desk.
  • Helping maintain our Learning Landscape demonstration garden.
  • Behind-the-scenes work such as setting up for events or workshops, helping with administrative work, photography, writing for our blog, or helping with social media.

When and How Long is the Training?
The training lasts for 18 weeks at the Stanislaus County Agricultural Center and starts in January. Each session is approximately 4 1/2 hours long; for a total of 50 hours of classroom time. Program requirements include weekly reading and quizzes and a final take home exam. Graduates receive a certificate. 

Who teaches the classes and what will I learn?
Classes are taught by University experts using research-based information. 

Next Steps

If you signed up for the interest list, you may be wondering, what's the next step? In fall, we will offer 3 opportunities to attend an informational meeting that includes everything you need to know about the program and answers any questions you may have.

UCMG5

 Topics include:

  • Introduction to horticulture and plant identification
  • Soils and fertilizers
  • Water management 
  • Ornamental and drought tolerant plants
  • Turf management
  • Landscape tree care
  • Planting and maintenance
  • Introduction to insects
  • Integrated pest management
  • Home vegetable gardening
  • Plant disease diagnosis
  • Weed identification and management
  • Fruit and nut tree care
  • Small fruit and grapevine care
  • Volunteerism
  • Diagnosing garden and landscape problems

Updated 12/2/2024

 

History of the Program

Since 1980, the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program has been extending UC research-based information about home horticulture and pest management to the public. The program is a public service and outreach program under the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, administered locally by participating UC Cooperative Extension county offices.

The UCCE Master Gardener Program is an example of an effective partnership between the University of California, Stanislaus County, and passionate volunteers. In exchange for training from the University, UCCE Master Gardeners offer volunteer services and outreach to the general public in more than 50 California counties. In 2019, 6,116 active UCCE Master Gardener volunteers donated 398,265 hours, and 5.4+ million hours have been donated since the program's inception.

Updated 6/28/2021