The training course usually begins in January and consists of at least 50 hours of classes in:

•  Plant science 

•  Horticulture 

•  Soils and water 

•  Fertilization 

•  Diseases and pest diagnosis 

•  Integrated pest management 

•  Fruit and landscape trees 

•  Native plants 

•  Vegetables and grapes

At the end of  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 following course completion.  Each year thereafter, 25 hours of volunteer work and 12 hours of continuing education are required to remain a certified Master Gardener.  Attendance at Master Gardener meetings counts toward continuing education hours, as does attending Master Gardener workshops, college classes and other classes or seminars on gardening.

For a more in-depth look at the Master Gardeners’ training program, go to the UCTV website - http://ucmgvideo.ucanr.org/ - where you may view videotaped lectures presented by UC experts at various Master Gardener classes.