WHO CAN APPLY?

Applicants must be 18 years old, reside in San Diego County, pass a background check by the California Department of Justice, and have enough free time to participate in the training course and volunteer activities. All applicants must possess computer skills, and have regular access to a computer, printer, and email/internet. Trainees need to provide their own transportation to the classroom facilities and other locations to participate in training classes, MG meetings, and volunteer activities. The San Diego Master Gardener training course is popular, and it is usually only held every two years. Each class has limited space and fewer than half the number of applicants are generally accepted to the program.

Keep in mind that although every qualified applicant is not accepted into a training class, persistence does pay off. Several of the current members applied more than once.

HOW DO I GET AN APPLICATION?

It is important that you make a thoughtful and complete application package that will fully represent you. Before submitting your application package, please:

• Carefully read the information provided in this document and the application form.
• Seriously consider if you have the time and desire to fully participate in the training course and in volunteer activities after the training (50 hours the first 18 months, and 25 hours thereafter). 

Applications are available to download here.

Your application can be printed and mailed, or emailed.

Please be sure your answers to the questions are in the highlighted areas to facilitate our review of your application. Your complete application package MUST include two letters of recommendation.

Your application package must be received in our MG Office no later than September 30, 2024.

You may submit your complete application package by email to Leah Taylor, MG Coordinator to applications@mgasdc.org. The subject line of your email should read “MG Applicant” followed by your name.

Alternatively, you can mail your application package (application and letters of recommendation) to:

Master Gardener Association of San Diego County
UC Cooperative Extension
9335 Hazard Way, Suite 201

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS LIKE?

We receive many more applications than space allows. A committee of MGs will review all applications and will invite the most qualified individuals to a personal interview between October 20-25, 2024. The committee will then recommend individuals for the 2025 training course based on information provided in the application package and interview.

WHAT DOES THE TRAINING COST?

The cost of the training is designed to cover the expenses necessary to conduct a quality training program. The fee of $400 covers the discounted cost of the course text and associated publications, duplication of handouts, lab materials, cost of field trips, and speaker expenses. If the fee poses an extreme hardship, partial scholarships may be available.

WHAT ELSE IS INVOLVED WITH THE TRAINING?

As a security measure, Master Gardener trainees must be fingerprinted and pass a background check by the California Department of Justice. Each student will be fingerprinted on the first day of class (the fee for this is included in the tuition).  Applicants must also sign forms required by the University of California, including a Code of Conduct, proof of driver’s license, and automotive insurance or California ID, Confidential Sellf-Disclosure Statement, and Liability Waiver.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I COMPLETE MY TRAINING?

Individuals selected for the training course must agree to perform a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service within 18 months of the start of training. After the first year, veteran Master Gardeners must perform a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer service and earn 12 hours of continuing education each year to remain active.

The Master Gardener Association of San Diego County is an incorporated, federal tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization that supports the UCCE Master Gardener Volunteer Program in San Diego County. Trainees are non-voting members of the association, and full membership is granted after training. The association has monthly meetings to provide continuing education and to coordinate volunteer activities. Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of each month, except December, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, in Balboa Park, and sometimes virtually.

ARE THERE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE WORK THAT MASTER GARDENERS DO?

No. The specific ways MGs volunteer vary widely. Although some MGs may frequently stand for long periods, move plants or other materials, and set up and take down tables at events, this is not required of all individuals.

WHAT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES COUNT TOWARD THE VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT?

Many types of activities count toward volunteer hours including leading workshops, helping set up and take down at events, creating media, and staffing the “Ask a Master Gardener” booth at the County Fair or at other community events. Positions in leadership or administration activities are common. Master Gardeners also work with children in school gardens, seniors in memory care facilities, San Diegans in  community gardens, and other events within the organization such as annual Seminars and Plant Sales. There are many opportunities to find one or more roles that work for you.

WHAT KIND OF TRAINING WILL I GET?

Master Gardener training provides a basic overview of horticulture and pest management, including basic terminology and principles. Course topics will include basic botany, entomology, plant pathology, weed management, vertebrate pests, household pests, vegetable gardening, fruit and ornamental tree culture, turf grass management, and diagnosing plant problems. Instruction includes both lecture and experiential components that are taught by experienced specialists to ensure that MGs receive current, research-based instruction.

Training will also include some extended-day field trips, which are held on the scheduled training day.

The training is in English and designed for amateur gardeners. Individuals employed or seeking a career in the horticulture industry are encouraged to enroll in horticultural classes at local colleges.

Students will be certified as University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners when they successfully complete the training course and pass the final exam.  The final is an open-book, take-home exam.

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE TRAINING?

Most classes will be held at the San Diego County Operations Center, located in Kearny Mesa. Select classes will be held virtually. Classes will meet on Tuesdays from January 7 to June 17, 2025, except for the fourth Tuesday of each month when we encourage trainees to attend the Association’s General Meeting. Classes begin promptly at 8:45 a.m. and conclude at 2:45 p.m., with a break for lunch, and extended hours on field trip days. Students are expected to attend ALL training classes.

IN WHAT AREAS OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY IS THE MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION HOPING TO FIND CANDIDATES?

We aim to serve everyone in the county.  Currently, we are looking to expand our outreach in East County, South Central, and South County, as well as expanding our multilingual capabilities.

HOW DO I GET LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION FOR MY APPLICATION PACKAGE?

Ask someone who knows you well. Your letters of recommendation are an important part of your application package, but they do not need to be formal. You can ask a friend, a neighbor, a family member, or someone in your community. Your letters should give a sense of how you have volunteered in the past. It is okay if your efforts were informal. They do not have to be work-related, with an organization, or related to gardening or horticulture.

IF YOU DO NOT SEE YOUR QUESTION ANSWERED HERE, PLEASE CONTACT:

applications@mgasdc.org.   PLEASE PUT “QUESTION” IN THE SUBJECT LINE.

WE CAN CONNECT YOU WITH A CURRENT MASTER GARDENER WHO CAN SUPPORT YOU IN THE PROCESS.