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 reapply.

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 submitted online no later than September 18, 2026. 

I SENT IN MY APPLICATION. HOW DO I KNOW THAT YOU RECEIVED IT?

If you sent your application before Monday August 3rd, you should have seen a message on the screen thanking you for your submission.

If you submitted your application after Monday August 3rd, you will see both a message on the screen thanking you for your submission AND you will receive an email confirmation message that your application has been received.

 

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, 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 Self-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 through cooperation with San Diego 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, integrated pest management, vertebrate pests, soil science, vegetable gardening, fruit tree culture, turf grass management and diagnosing plant problems. Instruction includes both lectures 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 every class, students should expect to spend 5 to 10 hours a week outside of class completing homework assignments and readings.

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, online exam.

WHERE AND WHEN IS THE TRAINING?

Classes will be held at the San Diego County Operations Center, located in Kearny Mesa, Thursdays from 9am to 3pm, with one week off every month for the MGASDC General Meeting.

Training dates are Jan 7, Jan 14, Jan 21; Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 18; Mar 4, Mar 11, Mar 18; Apr 1, Apr 8, Apr 15, Apr 22; May 6, May 13, May 20; June 3, June 10, and June 17, 2027. These dates include required field trips, which may extend the training day from 7AM to 5:30PM. Students are required to attend ALL training classes.

DO I HAVE TO ATTEND EVERY CLASS?

Yes. Students are expected to attend every class, including field trips, which may have extended days and involve travel time. Students may choose to attend the Tuesday MG General Meetings during training, but MG General Meeting attendance is not required. Students should also plan to do 5-10 hours of homework per week.

Training dates are Jan 7, Jan 14, Jan 21; Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 18; Mar 4, Mar 11, Mar 18; Apr 1, Apr 8, Apr 15, Apr 22; May 6, May 13, May 20; June 3, June 10, and June 17, 2027.

Classes run 9AM through 3PM. There are also three field trip days (dates still to be determined) with extended hours that may be as long as 7AM to 5:30PM. Field trips are required.

If your schedule does not allow you to attend every class, it may be better for you to apply in a different year.

DO YOU OFFER ONLINE MG TRAINING CLASSES?

No. Our training is done in person to provide hands-on collaborative activities and community building.

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.