Become a UC Master Gardener Volunteer in Contra Costa County

Interested in joining us as a UC Master Gardener volunteer? Attend one of our information sessions in 2024 where we start recruiting for our next training class.

Scroll to the bottom of this web page and click on the "Open Survey" button to sign up to be notified about the 2024 information sessions.

What are the requirements?

You must attend at least one information session to submit an application to the UC Master Gardener program. And you must attend that session at least until Q&A starts. Training classes begin in the fall and run through late winter. So sign up now, and find out if this program is right for you!

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.