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UC 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 will be in January, 2027. 

The training course is a series of about 19 classes that meet on Tuesdays, from January into June.  There is a class fee to cover textbooks and other expenses.  Classes are scheduled to be held either at the County Operations Center on Overland Ave. in San Diego or virtually, 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 (with a score of 70%) 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 25 hours of volunteer service and 12 hours of continuing education annually to remain active in the program.