U.C. Master Gardeners are trained representatives of the University of California Cooperative Extension. We assist farm advisors by providing advice and information to our home gardening community. If you would like to share your own gardening skills, experience, and enthusiasm, we invite you to join us. Master Gardener applicants should have some agricultural or horticultural experience and be able to communicate effectively with individuals and groups.
As part of our training program, applicants attend a 14-week (56-hour) series of classes in plant science, pest control, and horticulture. After passing a written examination, first-year Master Gardeners are expected to devote a minimum of 50 volunteer hours to activities mutually agreed upon with our Master Gardener Program Advisor. Each year thereafter, Master Gardeners volunteer at least 25 hours.
As a volunteer, you have an opportunity to serve in many ways. You may advise gardeners at our office, farmers markets, or plant clinics, or you may teach groups and organizations. You might contribute to special community projects and events. You can also share your horticultural knowledge by writing articles for our newsletter or by designing publications and presentations.
We have recruited our new group of Master Gardener trainees for 2007. We will offer our next training opportunity in the spring of 2009 or 2010. If you have questions, or would like to be on our waiting list, please call 822-7515.