El Dorado County - Training Program

Training Program

How to Become an El Dorado County Master Gardener

2010 Training Begins in January! Click on the Training Interest Form below to get on the mailing list to receive a mailer about the orientation in September that will explain all the details and have packets of applications available to the interested public.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A MASTER GARDENER?

Contribute to your community -- every year El Dorado County Master Gardeners contribute more than 6,000 hours of volunteer service.
Enjoy working together with a great group of gardening enthusiasts.
Gain excellent knowledge about the life of the garden.
Put what you know into practice for the benefit of others and for our environment.

WHAT TRAINING IS PROVIDED TO THE MASTER GARDENER?

Master Gardeners are given an intensive 4-1/2 month, 50+ hour training program in horticulture. The instruction provides a practical course in plant science and horticulture, soil and water management, pest identification and management, plant selection and care, and environmentally-sound garden practices.

Classes meet weekly, with outside study and training activities in addition to class time. A final examination reviews course materials and prepares the trainee to begin the internship year.

WHO ARE THE INSTRUCTORS?

Instructors are experts in their fields, including University of California faculty and staff, landscape and nursery professionals, and knowledgeable local horticulture educators.

WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE BECOME MASTER GARDENERS?

Any El Dorado County resident with an interest in horticulture and public service may apply for the Master Gardener program.

El Dorado County Master Gardeners are of all ages and come from all walks of life. Some are new to the county, others have lived (and gardened) here for many, many years. They include professionals, educators, business people, 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 able to communicate with diverse groups of people.

WHAT IS THE MASTER GARDENER'S COMMITMENT TO THE PROGRAM?

Applicants to the program are selected based on their interest and their ability to fulfill the commitment of service and education.

Following the training course, new Master Gardeners are certified. They are required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service and 12 hours of continuing education the first year. Each year thereafter, 25 hours of volunteer work and 12 hours of continuing education are required to remain a certified Master Gardener. Attending the Master Gardener meetings counts toward continuing education hours, as does attending Master Gardener workshops, college classes, and other classes and seminars on gardening.

CERTIFICATION

Certification is renewed at the end of each year, based on completion of service and continuing education hours.

WHAT TYPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK DOES A MASTER GARDENER DO?

Master Gardeners staff an information desk in the University of California Cooperative Extension office, where they answer questions either on the telephone or in person, diagnose plant problems, and give horticultural assistance to home gardeners. Many El Dorado County Master Gardeners also teach, or assist in teaching, one or more of the free public classes offered by the organization.

Master Gardeners also write newspaper articles, staff booths at community events such as the Home and Garden Show and the County Fair; provide talks and demonstrations; and work with teachers, children and parents to establish school gardens.

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE NEXT EL DORADO COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS TRAINING?

The next training class will be held in the Winter of 2010. Please call the UCCE office at (530) 621-5502 or complete the form/survey below, to have your name placed on an interest list. A flyer will be sent to you in the fall of 2009 explaining all of the details.

Master Gardener Training Interest Form

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