The Master Gardener Program is a volunteer service organization sponsored by the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE).  The purpose of the program is to teach people in the community about home horticulture and to extend research-based information produced by the University of California to the home gardener.  Therefore, the role of the Master Gardener is primarily that of "educator."

Master Gardeners are members of the community who have a love of gardening, and a willingness and enthusiasm to share this with others. They go through an initial application process, and upon acceptance into the Master Gardener Program, are trained by experts and educators in various aspects of horticulture and plant science.  Training covers a wide range of gardening topics including plant propagation, soil science, plant disease, safe insect control, and diagnosing plant problems. There are also classes on how to lead workshops and give presentations on gardening topics familiar to you.  In return for this training, Master Gardener candidates commit to 50 volunteer hours, and 12 additional education hours during the following year to become a Certified Master Gardener.  Under the supervision of the UCCE Horticulture Advisor, volunteers participate in activities such as answering gardening questions on the Master Gardener Helpline, promoting gardening through teaching at community gardening projects, helping staff Master Gardener booths at farmers markets and SLO Botanical Garden events, working with teachers and children in community schools through the Junior Master Gardener Program, or even writing a column for The Tribune.

Certified Master Gardeners maintain their status by completion of 25 hours of volunteer service and 12 hours of continuing education annually. Continuing education programs such as seminars, trainings, field trips, and garden tours are offered on a regular basis to help Master Gardeners fulfill required education hours and improve their teaching skills.

Our training program is put on once a year in the spring. Our next program will be held on Thursday afternoons from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. beginning on February 18 and ending with graduation on June 24, 2010. Please note, the schedule is subject to change. If you or someone you know is interested in more information about the Master Gardener Program, we will hold an informal Open House in November at the UCCE office auditorium (downstairs), 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo. This is a casual gathering with previous graduates of the program who will show education materials utilized during the course, explain various volunteer projects, and answer questions. Applications can be picked up at the Open House, at the UCCE office, downloaded here or by calling the Master Gardener Helpline (781-5939) to have one mailed to you. The deadline for applying is November 20, 2009. We look forward to having you join us.

University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers can provide additional gardening information upon request.  Call the San Luis Obispo office at 781-5939 on Mondays and Thursdays from 1 to 5 PM, the Arroyo Grande office at 473-7190 on Wednesdays from 9 AM to 1 PM, or the Templeton office at 434-4105 on Wednesdays from 9 AM to Noon.  Questions can be e-mailed to mgsanluisobispo@ucdavis.edu.

Background checks including fingerprinting are required to participate in the program

Click here for application: