Join a passionate group of nearly 200 volunteers across Alameda County who help the public learn safe, sustainable, and science-backed ways to grow their own food and manage the urban landscape.
About the UC Master Gardener Program
UC Master Gardeners help the public learn safe, sustainable, and science-backed ways to grow their own food and manage the urban landscape. We offer education as a public service to help promote gardening for all and build understanding in home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscaping.
To become a UC Master Gardener, volunteers go through a thorough training program that covers horticultural best practices, problem diagnosis, and working with the public.
If you’re interested in learning about our next New Volunteer Training cohort in 2026, add your name to our interest list here—we’ll notify you as soon as the recruitment process begins.
Application Requirements
- Be a current resident of Alameda County
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Must attend an info session*
Fees
A $310 non-refundable tuition fee is due upon acceptance into the program. A limited number of needs-based scholarships are available.
Background Check
As required by the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE), all volunteers must undergo a background check that includes Live Scan fingerprinting.
Volunteering as a UC Master Gardener
After completing the training program, UC Master Gardeners are required to perform 50 hours of volunteer work in their first year and 25 hours each subsequent year. After their first year, they are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education annually.
Master Gardeners can be found volunteering on many projects, including:
- Answering questions at our Help Desk or community events
- Mentoring and supporting school gardens
- Maintaining demonstration gardens
- Educating the public on gardening practices at demonstration gardens, community events, and libraries
- Promoting the UC Master Gardener program
- Creating educational content for the website and online channels
- And much more!
If you have any questions, you can contact us at MGPAlameda@ucanr.edu.