Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program
The UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County’s New Volunteer Training Class Will Be Coming in Late 2024
We will be holding our next class in late 2024. Classes are taught by University advisers, local horticultural educators, and certified Master Gardeners. Topics include horticulture basics, integrated pest management/problem diagnosis, and growing and caring for edible and landscape plants. Gardening experience is helpful but not required.
Application Requirements:
- Be a current resident of Alameda County
- Be at least 18 years of age
Fees:
A $310 non-refundable tuition fee is due upon acceptance into the program. A limited number of needs-based scholarships are available.
Background Check:
As required by the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE), all volunteers must undergo a background check that includes Live Scan fingerprinting.
If you would like to be notified when the next 2024 information sessions are scheduled please register here:
https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=25353
If you have any questions, you can contact us at MGPAlameda@ucanr.edu
UC Master Gardener Program "Advice to Grow By"
Read one Master Gardener's take on the program
Read one Master Gardener's take on the program: On Being a Master Gardener.
Once trained, Master Gardeners are required to contribute 50 hours of volunteer work within the first program year. To continue to be a Master Gardener, volunteers must commit to 25 hours in each following year and take 12 hours of continuing education classes.
With the help of a Program Coordinator, the Master Gardener Program is administered by the Master Gardeners themselves. An elected Advisory Board helps guide the program to promote sustainable home landscapes in Alameda County.