Master Gardener Application Process

This page provides information about applying for the next Master Gardener initial training, which will take place January–May 2025. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

To learn more about our program and our passion for sharing science-based, eco-friendly, sustainable gardening practices with the home gardening public, please visit Becoming a UC Master Gardener. We also welcome you to attend some of our talks and events.

Eligibility requirements

You must be a resident of Santa Clara County and at least 18 years of age.

Application process

The application process has 3 steps:

1. Mandatory Information Session: You must attend an information session. These meetings provide detailed information on the application process, Master Gardener training, and requirements of the program. Register in advance for one of them:
   • Tuesday, August 20,12:00–1:30 pm via Zoom
   • FULL Saturday, August 24, 10:00–11:30 am in person at Willow Glen Library, 1157 Minnesota Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
   • Thursday, August 29, 6:30–8:00 pm via Zoom
     
     
2. Application: Following your attendance at one of the information sessions, a link to the application will be emailed to you. Applications are due by Friday, September 6, at 5:00 pm.
   
   
3. Interview: We will review applications, interview candidates, and select people for the new class. Zoom interviews will take place in the evening beginning Monday, September 30 through Friday, October 11. Applicants will be notified of our decision by October 21, 2024.

Acceptance into program

If you are accepted into the UC Master Gardener Program, you will be enrolled in a weekly training class held via Zoom on Thursday evenings from January through May 2025. In addition to the weekly classes, there will be 6 in-person hands-on activities at our various Demo Gardens. These classes will be held on Saturdays.

There is a tuition fee of approximately $300 due on acceptance which covers training and resource materials. Need-based scholarships are available—applicants will not be turned away for lack of funds.

For working with the public, UC requires that trainees be fingerprinted and pass a background check. (There are many places in the community to have this done, including some UPS stores, some community centers, and some churches. See the full list.)

Volunteer responsibilities

Following the completion of training, UC Master Gardener volunteers must complete 50 hours of volunteer service during the first year in the program. In subsequent years, 25 hours of volunteer service and 12 hours of continuing education are required.