Become a UC Master Gardener Volunteer in Contra Costa County

We have completed our recruiting activities for the 2024/2025 training class. Please scroll to the bottom of this page and click the blue "Open Survey" button to put your name on the interest list for the 2025/2026 class.

The 2019 New Volunteer Training Class looking for evidence of pests on a leaf specimen.

Volunteers for the UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County are:

• Residents of Contra Costa County who have been trained to educate the general public on science-based sustainable horticulture practices.
• Part of the University of California Cooperative Extension, functioning as a link between the University and the residents of Contra Costa County.
• Committed to extending best practices on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscaping throughout the county.

Typically, 25-35 people are selected to train as new UC Master Gardener Program volunteers.  Qualified candidates are:

• Interested in learning University of California research-based horticultural practices in to bring that knowledge to their community.
• Committed to creating a sustainable environment throughout the county.
• Passionate about volunteering with our organization.

Applicants do not have to be gardening experts to become UC Master Gardener Program volunteers.  Successful applicants are trained in University of California best practices.

• (Subject to change due to COVID-19 impacts) Training begins in the fall and continues for 17 weekly sessions. Each session is six hours long and includes both lectures and hands-on activities.  Weekly reading and home study assignments are also required.
• Classes are taught by University of California instructors as well as outside experts.
• Topics include Soils, Botany, Irrigation, Edible Gardening, Landscape Trees, Plant Diseases, and Integrated Pest Management and much more.

After training, new UC Master Gardeners are ready to volunteer on our many projects:

• Help Desk
• Ask A Master Gardener tables
• Growing Gardeners
• School Gardens
• Demonstration gardens in East, Central and West County
• Speakers Bureau
• Community Gardens
• Communications
• Plant Sales

People interested in applying to the UC Master Gardener Program must first attend an information session to:

• Learn more about the Contra Costa program and how it serves the community.
• Participate in a conversation with UC Master Gardeners to explore your interests and experience.
• Receive this year’s application along with instructions on how to apply to the training class.