Master Gardener Training

When will the next training be held?

Sacramento County concluded Master Gardener training in April 2011. Training classes generally occur every two to three years.

Please read below for additional information.

How long does the training last? Training classes are usually held one day per week from January through April, plus two Saturday field trips. Attendance is mandatory at all classes and field trips. Classes are held in the UCCE Auditorium located at 4145 Branch Center Road, Sacramento, CA 95827.

Who teaches the classes and what will I learn? All classes are taught by University specialists, horticulture advisors, and community experts. Topics include:

introduction to horticulture
soil
water and fertilizer management
ornamentals and drought tolerant plants
turf management
landscape trees
planting and maintenance
introduction to insects
integrated pest management
water quality
home vegetable gardening
plant disease diagnosis
weed identification and management
home orchards
fruit and nut trees
small fruits and grapevines
volunteerism
diagnosing garden and landscape problems

How do I qualify to be a Sacramento County Master Gardener trainee? Applicants must be residents of Sacramento County. This Master Gardener program is administered by the Sacramento County Cooperative Extension office. If you are not a Sacramento County resident, contact your local Cooperative Extension office for training information. A past history of volunteering in the community is the main qualification we look for in applicants. The past volunteer activities do not need to be horticulture related. Prior horticulture training and/or experience is preferred but not required.

Is there a fee charged for the training classes? There is a fee for the resource materials which is determined before training begins.

What happens after I graduate and become a Master Gardener? After attending all class sessions, and all the weekly quizzes and final exam are completed, trainees receive a graduation certificate. New Master Gardeners are required to contribute fifty hours of community volunteer work during the next twelve months. Every year thereafter, twenty-five hours of volunteer activity is required. UCCE approved volunteer opportunities are available for Master Gardeners to extend University research based information to the gardening community in Sacramento County. Each year twelve hours of continuing education is also required.

Where in the Sacramento area can I obtain horticulture education? A variety of classes are offered at American River College, Cosumnes River College, Folsom Community College, UC Davis, and through numerous local garden and plant organizations such as Sacramento Tree Foundation, Effie Yeaw Nature Center and garden clubs.