2026 Training Class Information
Updated October 20, 2025.
We’re excited to share that the UC Master Gardener Program of Inyo and Mono Counties is planning to offer its next Basic Training Course in 2026!
This training is your gateway to becoming a certified UC Master Gardener Volunteer—serving and supporting our Eastern Sierra communities through gardening and horticulture education.
In this course, you’ll gain a broad foundation of gardening knowledge tailored to the unique conditions of the Eastern Sierra. You’ll learn about soils, vegetables, ornamentals, composting, and more. Best of all—you’ll join a fun, welcoming community of fellow gardeners!
(Zoom orientation recording is available below.)
Applications Are Here!
We are pleased to announce that applications are now available for the 2026 class.
The Process
Applying for the Master Gardener Training is easy, but there is a process.
Start by downloading the application here:
Please return the completed application by December 1, 2025.
Beginning in December applicants will be contacted to schedule a Zoom or in-person informal interview. The purpose is to answer your questions and to clarify expectations, both yours and ours.
Once accepted into the program, you will be required to be fingerprinted as a volunteer and to pay the class materials fee before the first class on February 11, 2026.
Please check your schedule before applying to ensure the dates listed below will work for you. Hosting the training is a lot of work, and we expect learners to attend.
Who Should Apply?
This program is for anyone who:
- Loves gardening,
- Wants to deepen their horticultural knowledge, and
- Enjoys sharing that knowledge to help our community thrive.
A UC Master Gardener is a local volunteer who learns science-based gardening practices and then shares that information with neighbors, schools, and community groups.
Key Dates
- Applications available: October 1, 2025
- Applications due: December 1, 2025
- Informal applicant interviews: Planned between December 9 and January 14.
- If accepted, payment due: February 6 and LiveScan completed: February 25
- Training begins: February 11, 2026
- Graduation Picnic: June 10, 2026
Course fee: $160 (covers program materials and training expenses).
How the Training Works
We know schedules are busy—so our program uses a hybrid model to keep training flexible and accessible.
- Most lectures and readings: Online, available at your convenience.
- Evening sessions: In person, but Zoom attendance is possible if requested in advance for some sessions.
- Weekend sessions & Graduation: In-person only for the best hands-on experience.
After completing the training, each new Master Gardener contributes 50 volunteer hours with the local program.
Class Overview Recording
On October 15 we hosted a Zoom presentation to go over the class. You can view the recording of that session, by clicking the link below, but it is not required to apply for the class.
Zoom Recording: https://ucanr.zoom.us/rec/share/s-TRdK_CSAPmBvz9dKFk68_CvWB3ozNyc6SxbLx7iirRtLh_LglGaO3RcxnQoS6D.1-K2bw3nP_ApbUWN?startTime=1760576430000
Passcode: E=gl@9if (Enter when prompted.)
2026 Training Timeline
Hold These Dates!
These are the tentative training session dates:
- Feb 11 – 6:00 pm
- Feb 25 – 6:00 pm
- Feb 28 – 10:00 am–3:00 pm
- Mar 14 – 10:00 am–3:00 pm
- Apr 8 – 6:00 pm
- Apr 22 – 6:00 pm
- May 9 – 9:00 am–2:00 pm
- May 14 – 6:00 pm
- Jun 10 – 5:00–7:30 pm (Graduation 🎓)
All dates are planned to be in Bishop. Except graduation, evening session will be indoors. Weekend dates will include outdoor activities.
Newsletter / Information Sign-up
Thanks for your interest! The UCCE maintains a mailing list of individuals interested in receiving news of upcoming workshops and activities related to gardening and food preservation. Please complete the form below to be added to our mailing list(s). Your contact information will not be shared with any other agency or organization.
We also have a blog - The Backyard Gardener - that publishes seasonal articles on gardening. You may visit The Backyard Gardener blog here, where you have the option to subscribe to the blog and receive updates when new articles are published.
Questions?
For questions about gardening or the Master Gardener program in general, please feel free to use our help line any time.
MG Helpline: (760) 872-2098 or E-mail: immg@ucanr.edu
If you have questions about an upcoming event or your registration for a class or training, you should call the main line at Farm Advisor's office during business hours.
Farm Advisor's Office: (760) 873-7854