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Who we are

Master Gardeners are members of communities who are trained by Cooperative Extension experts in different aspects of plant science. In exchange for instruction, persons who become Master Gardeners volunteer through their local Cooperative Extension office to extend information to their community. Volunteers are supervised and guided by UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) advisors.

The mission of the Master Gardener program is to provide research-based information for gardening practices and technologies of home horticulture, integrated pest management (IPM), and environmental resource conservation. Master Gardeners answer questions, conduct demonstrations, diagnose plant/pest problems, and provide this horticultural assistance by telephone, newspaper, and public contact.

Most information used by Master Gardeners is developed through research by UC professors, specialists, and farm advisors. The University system has nine campuses, nine field research stations, and 64 county Cooperative Extension offices throughout California.

History

Cooperative Extension has been helping people solve their agricultural problems since 1913. Extension agents/farm advisors supervised "Victory gardens" during World War I and II and have helped home and community gardeners ever since. Eventually, a voluntary educational program was initiated to teach gardening to people who would then extend the information to others in the community.

The first Master Gardener program was started in 1972 in Washington State. Since then, Master Gardener programs have spread to over 45 states and four Canadian provinces, and boasts of more than 45,000 volunteers.

In California, Sacramento and Riverside began pilot programs in 1980. Many of those original graduates are still active today in the program. As of January 2000, California had 31 active county programs providing more than 130,000 one-on-one contacts each year.
Master Gardeners have become a significant resource of gardening information and are official "formal volunteers" of the University of California Cooperative Extension.

Training

Classes are taught by UCCE farm advisors and specialists. The program offers a basic, practical course in plant science and horticulture. Classes include:

• Introduction to horticulture
• Soil and plant nutrition
• Pest identification and control
• Plant management practices
• Diagnosis of plant problems

UCCE of Tulare-Kings Counties offers a 17-week training program in even years. UCCE Fresno County offers a similar program in odd years. (There is some cooperation between counties, so call for more details.)

Certification

To become a certified Master Gardener one must participate in the training program, pass an exam, become an intern and complete their volunteer work. To remain certified there are further annual educational and volunteer requirements.

Who are the Instructors?

Classes are taught by Cooperative Extension advisors and specialists, faculty from the University campuses and Experiment Stations, community college and state university faculty, other experts from industry, and Master Gardeners.

Who Becomes a Master Gardener?

Master Gardeners share a number of qualities They are enthusiastic, willing to learn and help others, and able to communicate with diverse groups of people. Experience and background in gardening are pre-requisites.

The Master Gardener program offers opportunities for continual growth and sharing with other Master Gardeners, while contributing to the community. Not everyone who applies becomes a Master Gardener trainee; quite simply, there are not enough slots available for every applicant.

Your Commitment

In exchange for training, you will be expected to volunteer your time to the Tulare-Kings Counties Master Gardener program. You will be supported and encouraged by a local advisor. Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for information related to gardening and plants, staff plant clinics and information booths, provide talks and demonstrations, and contribute to newspaper articles.

The program offers a variety of activities to meet your volunteer commitment, some of which may be specifically directed. For example the Master Gardener office is open during certain business hours and all Master Gardeners are expected to contribute in this activity

Types of Volunteer Work

Master Gardeners extend the information they have learned through a variety of ways. They write news releases and newspaper articles, produce television and radio programs, provide plant clinics, answer "hotlines" in county offices, conduct educational workshops at fairs and shows, and help with research.

Is Master Gardening for You?

To help you decide if you should apply for Master Gardener training, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I want to learn more about plants, growing things, and gardening?
  
• Am I eager to participate in a practical and intensive training program?
• Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?
• Do I have enough time to attend the training and to volunteer?

If you answered yes to these questions, the Master Gardening Program could be for you.

The desire and ability to fulfill the volunteer commitment is a major criteria in the selection of a potential volunteer.

For More Information

Position description (PDF file), application forms (PDF file) and further information are available from your local Cooperative Extension office. Please visit or call to have your name added to the waiting list, so you can receive an application in the mail prior to the start of a new training session.

Tulare County
4437 S. Laspina St. Ste. B
Tulare, CA 93274-9539
(559) 685-3309 ext 225

Kings County
680 N. Campus Dr.
Hanford, CA 93230
(559) 582-3211,ext. 2730

Fresno County
1720 S. Maple Ave.
Fresno, CA 93702
(559) 456-7285