Gardening with the UC Master Gardener Program
APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED for the 2024 UC Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program in Los Angeles County.
We received many more applications than we have available spots. We do not take late applications.
If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener and learning more about the 2025 Volunteer Training Program, please contact Jessica Yarger at jayarger@ucanr.edu.
Who Are Master Gardeners and What Do They Do?
Master Gardeners are trained by University of California Cooperative Extension specialists and other qualified instructors, who use research-based information to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable horticultural practices in the home, community and school landscapes.
What Master Gardeners Offer to the Public
"Grow LA Gardens" Gardening Classes. Basic gardening classes are held at many locations throughout LA County every spring and fall. See description and current schedule.
Workshops and Consultation. Want some gardening workshops? Need help with planning a community or school garden? Request MG assistance by clicking here.
Speakers. Looking for a presentation for your group on a range of gardening topics? Our Master Gardeners are experts in the areas of fruits and vegetables, drought-tolerant gardening, integrated pest management (IPM), irrigation, composting, container gardening and more. To request a Master Gardener speaker, click here.
Have a Gardening Question? Email mglosangeleshelpline@ucdavis.edu with a description of your concern or question. Attaching photos will help the Master Gardener diagnose the problem. OR, you can phone in your concern or question by leaving a detailed message at (626) 586-1988.
eList. If you'd like to receive email announcements regarding our Master Gardener Training Program, our Grow LA Gardens classes, and various other gardening events and classes, please click here to subscribe to our UC Master Gardener Program eList.
Alternatives to Citrus in the Fight Against ACP/HLB. UC Master Gardener Volunteers in Los Angeles County offer workshops and other events to help educate the public about the Asian Citrus Psyllid and Huanglongbing, the spread of the disease, and how to select and care for fruit trees. Please visit our website to learn more about this disease that kills citrus trees.
Anything Else? Contact Valerie Borel at vtborel@ucanr.edu.
Master Gardener Training Program
Do you enjoy gardening and want to help others learn how to garden sustainably? If YES, consider applying for the UC Master Gardener Training Program!
The program is offered once a year during spring. Adult residents (18+ years old) of Los Angeles County are eligible to apply.
The Spring 2024 Master Gardener Training Program application will open in mid-November 2023. If you'd like to receive an email reminder when the application opens (and also receive information on gardening classes and event announcements once a week), please complete this interest form, or check back on this page in mid-November. If you live in another California county, click here to find the program in your area.
Master Gardener Handbook
The handbook is available to the general public. Order directly from UC Publications.
Master Gardeners Make a Difference!
Since 1993, we have trained 1,388 Master Gardeners who have served 2,059,408 Los Angeles County residents and earned 83,312 continuing education hours.
In 2018-19, our 273 Master Gardeners logged 15,952 volunteer hours and 3,731 continuing education hours helping 60,413 Los Angeles County residents at 332 locations (98 community gardens, 117 school gardens, 7 senior gardens, 9 homeless and women's shelters, and 103 fairs, workshops, farmers markets and phone/email helplines).