Who is a Master Gardener?

Okay, you've been reading these weekend on-line s about plants and insects and gardens and green thumbs.

But just who are the people telling you all this interesting stuff? Master Gardeners, that's who. And who are these master gardeners? Well, they may be your neighbor or a friend or someone you talked to last week at the local nursery. In fact, they most likely are very much like you.

Rather than "experts," they are simply people who like to see things grow well and who choose to apply sound, research-based principles to their gardening. Master Gardeners are University of California-trained and certified volunteer educators, who are often contractors, teachers, homemakers, students, or people who retired from professions like those—again, chances are they are just like you.

The Master Gardener Program is administered locally by the county office of UCCE (University of California Cooperative Extension) and is part of the public education arm of the University's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The UC County Director or a UC Advisor administers the program.

But what kinds of things are Master Gardeners expected to do? Master Gardeners donate a minimum of 25 hours per year (50 the first year) manning demonstration gardens, working on plant sales, helping with school gardens, and responding to inquiries.

So just how does someone become a master gardener? An orientation has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, at 3:00 pm at the Tuolumne County Main Library located on Greenley Road in Sonora, CA. Anyone interested in becoming a Master Gardener should attend the orientation to learn about the Master Gardener Program and volunteer requirements.

The actual training classes for new volunteer candidates begin in January 2025 and continue weekly through April. Usually, class time is 3:00 pm on Thursdays, with options for in-person and remote attendance. Classes will include over 50 hours of intensive training by University of California personnel and horticulture specialists in various fields. Topics include water management, soils, composting, native plants, fruit production, plant diseases, entomology, integrated pest management, understanding pesticides, and more.

Coddling moth infestation? Fire blight on your pear trees? Gray mold on your strawberries? Instead of asking an expert what to do, become knowledgeable yourself. Become a Master Gardener.

Chace Anderson is a University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener in Tuolumne County.