Master Gardener Training

We will hold Master Gardener training in 2025. The application period has closed. This page is updated each July with training status for the following year.

Sacramento County is an exciting place to call home and the UC Master Gardener volunteers are proud to be involved in our vibrant communities. You will find us at neighborhood festivals, large Home and Garden events, speaking to community groups and in the Cooperative Extension office answering phone calls. As representatives of the University of California, volunteers assist community members with a vast assortment of gardening and landscaping concerns; including the diagnosing of plant and pest problems, providing water conservation information, consulting on ornamental and edible plant growing issues and by sharing house plant growing tips.  

Would you like to become a UC Master Gardener? If you are a Sacramento County resident and able to contribute 50 hours of community volunteer work within the first year after graduation, please continue to read about the training program.

Who are Master Gardener candidates?

Applicants must be residents of Sacramento County and should possess:

• a history of volunteering, a desire to share what they learn, and teach gardening skills.
  
  
• a basic knowledge of landscape and food gardening.
  
  
• an interest in increasing their horticultural knowledge and skills.
  
  
• the ability to meet application requirements:
  
  
  • submit a completed application--provided here during the application period
  • attend a Meet the Master Gardener orientation session
  • attend a 20-minute interview

Who teaches the classes and what will I learn?

All classes are taught by University specialists, horticulture advisors, and community experts. Topics include:

• basics of soil
• irrigation and fertilization
• water conservation
• identification and control methods for insects
• diseases and weeds
• proper care of vegetables
• fruit and landscape trees

Is there a fee charged for the training classes?

The non-refundable fee covers the cost of resource books, classroom materials, and speaker expenses.

What happens after I graduate and become a Master Gardener?

Master Gardeners will:

• Contribute 50 hours of community volunteer work during the first 12 months. Every year thereafter, 25 hours of volunteer activity is required.
  
  
• UC approved volunteer opportunities for Master Gardeners to extend University research based information to the gardening community in Sacramento County include:
  
  
  • Conduct workshops, diagnose plant problems, and speak to community groups.
    
    
  • Offer advice over the phone and with social and mass media.
    
    
  • Complete 12 hours of continuing education and attend monthly meetings held the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
    
    
  • Submit monthly records of volunteer activities and contacts.

Master Gardeners from the class of 2023.

For additional information, call the UC Cooperative Extension office at 916-876-5338.

UC Master Gardener Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Find our office