How To Become A Master Gardener

How does someone become a Orange County Master Gardener?

Attend a Master Gardener Information Day meeting!

Master Gardener Program information dates for the class of 2014 are:

September 12, 2013 from 10 AM to 12 noon
September 26, 2013 from 10 AM to 12 noon

Information Days are held at "The Ranch" off Arlington (Fairview) through Gate 8. (directions via google maps)

Download 2013 Master Gardener Information Day Flyer.

If you can not make either of these days you will be unable to be considered for the upcoming class.

NOTE: You must be a resident of Orange County, California.

New Master Gardeners in Training will be chosen from the pool of applicants in October and the new training class will run from January through April of the following year with graduation in May.

Classes will be held weekly on Thursdays and will run from 8:45 a.m. to approximately 2:00 p.m. with a lunch break. Some 1-2 p.m. sessions may be optional. There also will be two Saturday field trips. Regular attendance at class sessions is mandatory.

The cost of the course which includes classroom instruction, Master Gardener Handbook, binder, apron, identification badge, miscellaneous supplies and membership fee through June 2014 will be approximately $200.00.

More comprehensive information regarding the Master Garden Program and our 2014 class structure will be discussed at our Information Day sessions on September 12th and September 26th. Attendance at one of the two sessions is required in order to receive an application for enrollment into the program. Each session starts promptly at 10:00 a.m. Please be on time.

The Master Gardeners in Training attend 50+ hours of classes consisting of lectures and demonstrations conducted by experts in their fields. First year Master Gardeners must complete at least 50 hours of volunteer service to the community. To retain their certification Master Gardeners must complete at least 25 hours of volunteer service to the community and participate in at least 12 hours of continuing education each year.

Who are Master Gardener candidates?

Master Gardeners candidates are all ages and come from all walks of life. They have:

A basic knowledge of landscape and food gardening
An interest in increasing their horticultural knowledge and skills
A desire to volunteer in their community to share what they have learned and teach gardening skills
A resident of Orange County, California
Master Gardener Testimonials

What do Master Gardeners do?

Master Gardeners are trained to help residents of Orange County become better gardeners. Using a variety of activities such as workshops, lectures, and a garden hotline, these volunteers answer questions about home horticulture, sustainable landscaping, and integrated pest management using University of California research-based information.

After their training Master Gardeners are qualified to help the public with problems in areas such as:

Weed control
Plant problem diagnosis
Integrated Pest Management (insect and pest control)
Soils, fertilizers and irrigation
Selecting and caring for fruit and landscape trees
Growing annuals, perennials and food crops
Lawn care
Vegetable gardening
Plant pathology
Soils and composting

Master Gardeners work in their community by volunteering for activities and projects such as:

Designing, planting and maintaining demonstration gardens
Using mass media to disseminate gardening information
Teaching workshops, or lecturing on gardening practices
Participating in research activities with academics within UC
Answering gardeners’ questions via email or helplines
Speaking to the public on horticultural/gardening topics
Manning county fair information booths
Consulting with gardeners with the goal of improving their landscape practices
Educating and guiding parents and teachers in gardening practices in support of school gardens

Master Gardener Testimonials

Find a Local California Master Gardener Program in your area.