Master Gardener Training

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

When will the next training be held?

Master Gardener training in the Sacramento County is administered every two or three years.  The next training for Sacramento County residents has not been scheduled.  Each year, during the first week in September, we announce if a training will be held the following January.

 When and how do I apply to the program?

 During the years when training is to be held applications will be available the preceding September.  Applications will be accepted through mid October.  Late applications will not be processed. 

How long does the training last?

Held January through April, the four-hour classes will be conducted one afternoon per, for fifteeen weeks, plus one Saturday field trip.   Attendance is mandatory at all classes and field trips. Classes are held in the UCCE Auditorium located at  4145 Branch Center Road, Sacramento, CA 95827.  The day of the week that classes are conducted is the same through out the training and will be included in the application packet. 

 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 Sacramento County Master Gardener trainee?

 Applicants must be residents of Sacramento County. This Master Gardener program is administered by the Sacramento County Cooperative Extension office. If you are not a Sacramento 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. The fee will be stated in the application packet.

What happens after I graduate and become a Master Gardener?

After attending all class sessions, and all the weekly quizzes and final exam are 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 Sacramento County. Each year twelve hours of continuing education is also required.

Where in the Sacramento area can I obtain horticulture education?

A variety of classes are offered at American River College, Cosumnes River College, Sierra College, Folsom Community College, UC Davis, numerous local garden and plant organizations such as Sacramento Tree Foundation, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, and garden clubs.