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UCCE Mendocino County Master Gardener Program

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Master Gardener trainees attend a training program comprising approximately 50+ hours of instruction in plant science and horticulture covering such topics as soils, fertilizers, irrigation, weeds, diseases, insects and other pests, fruit and landscape trees, vegetables, xeriscaping, and more. Each trainee receives The California Master Gardener Handbook as well as other UCCE publications. Classes are taught by experts in their fields. They include Cooperative Extension advisors and specialists from the University of California at Berkeley and Davis, local community college faculty, and other knowledgeable resource people.

Master Gardeners are people of all ages and from all walks of life. They include business men and women, professionals, educators, retirees, homemakers, and students -- all with some experience and knowledge of plants and gardening. Master Gardeners must be enthusiastic, willing to learn and help others, and must be able to communicate with diverse groups of people.

After completing the training and passing a written exam, the new Master Gardener interns are required to complete a minumim of fifty hours of volunteer service. Master Gardeners are selected on the basis of their ability to fulfill this commitment. In order to retain the title Master Gardener in ensuing years, Master Gardeners must complete twelve hours of continuing education per year and perform twenty-five hours of volunteer service per year.

In Mendocino county there are two groups of Master Gardeners due to the very different climates between the coastal region and the inland region. Typically there is a class given each year. Classes are held at two different locations, one is on the coast at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden the other is at the UC Cooperative Extension in Ukiah. The class alternates between coast and inland each year. If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener go to this page:
Becoming a Master Gardener.

Make sure to visit the UC Master Gardener Statewide Program Website for "Advice to Grow By" and more!

Master Gardeners can volunteer in many ways:

  • Staffing information tables at the local Farmer's Markets
  • Staffing information sites at the Botanical Garden
  • Developing displays for the County Fair
  • Outreach educational programs in schools.
  • Presentations to local public groups
  • Leading docent tours at the Botanical Garden
  • Developing educational programs
  • Assisting with nursery questions
  • Answering questions on the "Gardening Questions" hot line.