How To Become A Master Gardener

How does someone become a Orange County Master Gardener?

Attend a Master Gardener Information Day meeting!

Our application process for the 2012 class is now complete.  We will post the information days for 2013's class by Spring 2012. The Information days are usually held in the Fall.

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

Please fill out the form below and you will be notified by e-mail of upcoming Master Gardener class information as it becomes available.

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 with graduation in May of the following year.

The Master Gardeners in Training attend 80+ 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.

If you have any questions about becoming a member of future Master Gardeners classes please fill out the form at the bottom of the page. You will be notified with the date and time of a meeting explaining the application process which will be scheduled in September. Applications will be made available at that time.

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

• 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.

Please fill out the form below and you will be notified by e-mail of upcoming Master Gardener class information as it becomes available.

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