Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program

The UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County’s New Volunteer Training Class Will Be Coming in 2025

The next information sessions will be held in the spring of 2025.

The UC Master Gardener Training Program is not your typical gardening class. It’s a unique opportunity to become a trained volunteer dedicated to sharing research-based gardening knowledge with your community. While you’ll gain a deep understanding of horticulture and sustainable gardening practices, the focus is on outreach—helping others grow their gardening skills and fostering a love for nature. If you’re passionate about making a difference and connecting with your community through gardening, this program is for you!

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.

Volunteering as a UC Master Gardener

After completing the training program, Master Gardeners are required to perform 50 hours of volunteer work in their first year and then 25 hours each year after that. After their first year, they must complete 12 hours of continuing education annually.

Master Gardeners can be found volunteering on a number of projects including:

Answering questions at our Help Desk or community events
Mentoring and supporting school gardens
Maintaining demonstration gardens
Educating the public on gardening practices at demonstration gardens, community events, and libraries
Promoting the Master Gardener program
Creating educational content for the website and online channels
And much more!

Information sessions

If you would like to be notified when the next 2025 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.