Becoming a Master Gardener

Master Gardener Application

Application PDF version
Application word version

Thank you for interest in the Master Gardener program. Our next training will be in early 2013. If you are interested in attending future Master Gardener training please fill out an application so that we can contact you when the next training has been arranged.

The program is open to new individuals with or without gardening experience who wish to increase their knowledge and skills. They must also have a desire to serve their community via our volunteer programs. These programs are the cornerstone of the Master Gardener concept and provide an important service to the community. We are very proud of this program and of the many community projects that are made successful through our Master Gardener volunteers.

Each UCCE Master Gardener receives over 50 hours of training from University of California horticulturists and other professionals in the nursery landscape industry. Class topics include botany, composting, soil and water management, entomology, plant pathology, fruit and ornamental tree culture and many other facets of landscape/garden planning and maintenance.

While in training, each student learns about various volunteer activities that our Master Gardeners support. Students work with Master Gardeners who will assist in their education, and help them learn to teach others. After completing their training, each UCCE Master Gardener is required to achieve a total of 50 volunteer hours in the first year and 25 hours each year thereafter. We are seeking people who desire to make a long-term commitment to the program.

Sincerely,

Marcy Sousa

Master Gardener Program Coordinator

Do you enjoy gardening? Are you good at it? Do you live in San Joaquin County? Are you willing to volunteer your time and talent?

If you answered yes to these questions the Master Gardener Program may be for you.

If you are interested in volunteering in the San Joaquin community please read about the Master Gardener training.

When will the next training be held?

The next training will begin early 2010. Applications are being accepted for this training and you will be notified of the exact start date once it has been set.

When and how do I apply to the program?.

Applications are currently being accepted for future trainings

How long does the training last?

The four and a half hour classes will be conducted one morning. (8:30 am to 1:00 pm)   Attendance is mandatory at all classes.  Classes are held in the UCCE Office.

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; home vegetable gardening; plant disease diagnosis; weed identification and management; home orchards; fruit and nut trees; small fruits and grapevines; identification and control of household pests; understanding pesticides volunteerism; diagnosing garden and landscape problems.

How do I qualify to be a San Joaquin County Master Gardener trainee?

Applicants must be residents of San Joaquin County. This Master Gardener program is administered by the San Joaquin  County Cooperative Extension office. If you are not a San Joaquin  County resident, contact your local Cooperative Extension office for training information. A past history of volunteering in the community is the main qualification we look for in applicants. The past volunteer activities do not need to be horticulture related. Prior horticulture training and/or experience is preferred but not required.

Is a fee charged for the training classes?

A fee to cover training and resource materials is charged for the training.

What happens after I graduate and become a Master Gardener?

After attending all class sessions, and all the weekly quizzes and final exam is completed, trainees receive a graduation certificate. New 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 Master Gardeners to extend University research based information to the gardening community in San Joaquin  County. Each year twelve hours of continuing education is also required.

A Master Gardener is a volunteer of the University of California Cooperative Extension who answers questions, diagnoses plant problems, and gives horticultural assistance to the public via telephone, plant clinics, demonstrations, talks, and the mass media on vegetable gardening, trees, pesticides, recycling, soils, lawns, disease, insects (home and garden), house plants, and related topics using University supported research. Master Gardeners help to prepare for, organize and conduct specific educational activities.

The Master Gardener Program is for the home gardening enthusiasts who want to learn more or have questions about composting, vegetable gardening, tree care and management, IPM, pruning, soils, lawn care and management, fruit tree management, plant diseases, water conservation, insect management (home and garden), house plants, and other related yard & garden topics.