When are the next Master Gardener classes being held? What kind of qualifications do I need?

Thank you for your interest in The University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program. We are accepting applications until September 30, 2022 for the next training course, which will begin in January 2023. We are seeking adults in San Diego County who have the time and desire to help educate others, love to grow plants and want to learn more about horticulture. Inherent in the title "Master Gardener" (MG) lies the challenge to continue learning and to help other gardeners grow.

Master Gardeners are volunteers who are trained and certified by the University of California, Cooperative Extension (UCCE).  Training classes are usually offered every two years in San Diego County. The next class is scheduled to take place in 2023. 

The training course is a series of about 18 classes that meet from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm on Tuesdays, generally from January into June.  There is a class fee to cover textbooks and other expenses.  Classes are scheduled to be held at the County Operations Center on Overland Ave. in San Diego, with some select classes taught via Zoom.  The classes taught by agricultural experts provide a basic introduction to horticulture and pest management.  Topics include botany, soils and fertilizers, irrigation, entomology, plant pathology, weed management, vertebrate pests and the culture of vegetables, fruit trees and woody ornamentals.  Students who successfully complete the training course and pass a final exam are certified as UCCE Master Gardeners. 

Master Gardener volunteers help UCCE provide County residents with research-based information in the areas of home gardening, noncommercial horticulture and pest management.  In exchange for their training, new Master Gardeners agree to complete at least 50 hours of volunteer service in approved activities within one year of being certified.  After the first year, veteran Master Gardeners agree to complete a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer service and 12 hours of continuing education annually to remain active in the program.

The process for selecting students for a new Master Gardener class begins with a public information session, scheduled for September 7, 2022.  There you will learn more about the volunteer program and how to apply.  Attendance is not required to apply.  (The information session is fully registered, however, you can still apply to become a Master Gardener).   A selection committee of current Master Gardeners reviews all applications, interviews applicants, and recommends individuals for the training class.

If you want to be added to our mailing list and be informed when recruitment for the next MG class begins click here.

This link will take you to our registration page on Constant Contact where you can enter your name, email and other information. After registering you will receive an email from Constant Contact with a link to a menu where you can select the information you want to receive.

Please read the FAQ for more information before you fill out an application.

Download the application here.

Download and save the PDF application to your desktop, complete and submit.