WHAT IS THE MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM?

WHO CAN APPLY?

Applicants must be 18 years old, a San Diego County resident, 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 basic computer skills, and have regular access to a computer, and email/internet. Trainees need to provide their own transportation to the classroom facilities and other locations to participate in training classes, meetings, and volunteer activities.

The UC Master Gardener Program training course is popular, and it is usually  held every two years. Each class has limited space, and fewer than half the number of applicants are generally accepted to the program.

If you are not accepted into the program, it is recommended that you reaply.

HOW DO I GET AN APPLICATION?

The link to the application will become active on this website on August 1, 2026. Applications must be completed and submitted online. Your application must be submited online no later than September 18, 2026. 

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS LIKE?

We generally receive many more applications than space allows. A committee of UC Master gardeners will review all applications and will invite the most qualified individuals to a personal interview scheduled sometime between October 19-26, 2026. The committee will then recommend individuals for the 2027 training course based on information provided in the application 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, lab materials, cost of field trips, and speaker expenses. If the fee poses an extreme hardship, limited partial scholarships may be available, and are granted on a case-by-case basis.

WHAT ELSE IS INVOLVED WITH THE TRAINING?

As a security measure, trainees must be fingerprinted and pass a background check by the California Department of Justice. Each student will be fingerprinted at registration and 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 UC 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 UC Master Gardener 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 online.

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

No. The specific ways UC Master Gardeners volunteer vary widely. Although some volunteers 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 other community events. Positions in leadership or administrative activities are available. UC Master Gardeners also work with children in school gardens and seniors in memory care facilities. We provide horticultural training to adolescents and adults in local incarceration programs, such as the Youth Transition Campus and the East Mesa Re-entry Facility. These programs are offered throuh cooperation with the County probation and the Sheriff's offices.

WHAT KIND OF TRAINING WILL I RECEIVE?

The UC Master Gardener Program provides an overview of horticulture and pest management, including basic terminology and principles. Course topics will include botany, entomology, plant pathology, weed management, vertebrate pests, soil science, vegetable gardening, fruit tree culture, turf grass management and diagnosing plant problems. Instruction includes both lecture and activities that are taught by experienced specialists to ensure that trainees receive current, research-based instruction.

Training will also include some extended-day field trips, which are held on the regularly scheduled training day. In addition to attending classes, students should expect to spend 5 to 10 hours a week outside of class completing reading and homework assignments.

The training is in English and designed for amateur gardeners. Individuals seeking a career in the horticulture industry or those not interested in volunteering are encouraged to enroll in horticultural classes at local colleges.

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

WHERE AND WHEN IS THE TRAINING?

Most classes will be held at the San Diego County Operations Center, located in Kearny Mesa. Training will start the second week of January and go through the third week of June. Training classes will be one-day each week, except for the 4th week of each month when we encourage trainees to attend the Association’s General Meeting. Students are required to attend ALL training classes.

If you have further questions, contact our Hotline by email at Help@MasterGardenerSD.org or call 858-822-6910. We will respond in 24-48 hours.