Application to 2021 Training Class

Applications are now closed for the 2021 Training Class.

Typically we offer a UCCE Master Gardener volunteer training class every other year.  The next class is planned for 2023, with the application process starting at the end of summer or in the fall.  If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, please sign up on our How To Become a Master Gardener webpage and you will receive the first announcements about the 2023 class.

Who Are Master Gardeners?

Becoming A Master Gardener in Orange County

Important Dates

• November 2 - December 1, 2020: Applications accepted
• Mid-December, 2020: Application decisions announced via email
• January 2021: Zoom orientation for new trainees
• February 25 - June 24, 2021: (Thursdays, 9 am to 1 pm) Master Gardener Training offered live online via Zoom. Additional videos, hands-on lab activities and selected readings will be sent electronically for you to complete from home.

Steps to Becoming a Master Gardener

1. View video: UC Master Gardener Program “Advice To Grow By…Ask Us”

2. View video: Becoming a Master Gardener in Orange County, Program Coordinator Randy Musser

3. Complete and submit your completed Master Gardener written application: http://ucanr.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=32344

4. We would like to get to know you! Please record yourself answering the three questions below. Total video length should be approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Video/audio quality is not a factor as long as we can clearly see and hear you. A cell phone, tablet or laptop is all you need.

   a. What attracted you to the Master Gardener program?

   b. What talents and interests do you bring to the program in addition to gardening?

   c. Tell us about your past volunteering. What was your favorite experience, and why?

   Submit your video: Email your video with your name in the “subject line” to: becomeaucceocmg@ucanr.edu. You will receive an email confirming the receipt of your video.  If you have difficulty submitting your video, please send us an email at the same address letting us know and we'll be in touch.

   All applications (including both the written application and the video interview) must be submitted on, or before December 1, 2020, to be considered for entry into the program. If you have any problems/questions regarding the application, you must send an email to becomeaucceocmg@ucanr.edu before the December 1, 2020 deadline for assistance.

5. Applicants will be notified of their status starting in mid-December.

6. If accepted, you will receive an email asking for the following actions:

   a. Confirm your intention to participate in the 2021 Master Gardener Training class

   b. Pay the class fee of $250. A limited amount of financial assistance is available for applicants experiencing financial hardship. Please contact Master Gardener Coordinator, Randy Musser, to discuss eligibility at: remusser@ucanr.edu.

   c. Complete Live Scan fingerprinting and pass a background check

   d. Complete and sign our Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct forms

   e. Purchase your copy of the text: California Master Gardener Handbook, 2nd Edition, D. Pittenger, 2015. ISBN-13: 978-1-60107-857-5. This text is available in both paper and digital formats.

   f. Participate in the January, 2021 Zoom conference with Master Gardener Coordinator Randy Musser. This will be recorded and will be available for review if you cannot attend during the live session.