Frequently Asked Questions
These questions may help you decide if you want to apply to the UC Master Gardener Program.
1. What kind of volunteer work will I be doing to get my required 50 hours of volunteer service?
Lots of things! Some examples are working at community gardens, school gardens, and staffing tables at fairs and farmers markets in an educational role - you might be answering questions, teaching a workshop, or helping to design a garden. You might help to teach an online gardening class. The key is that you are educating the public about gardening. Master Gardeners teach non-commercial gardeners only. We also need volunteers to assist with various committees that help us run the MG Program.
2. What kinds of things are not eligible for MG volunteer hours?
a) Physical labor (such as digging, weeding, etc.) generally does not count as volunteer hours except for a few specific projects pre-approved by the MG staff.
b) Starting a garden club, or a local chapter of a gardening organization.
c) Any work with a for-profit company.
d) Advising commercial gardeners (any person or agency that is selling what they grow or selling their gardening services).
e) Travel time to volunteer assignments except in rare pre-approved circumstances.
f) Visits to and to work in individual backyards or private properties. We don’t allow MGs to visit individual residences or personal properties as part of their volunteer service.
3. I want to teach people about raising chickens (bees, goats, food preservation, etc.) in addition to teaching them about gardening. Can I do that as a Master Gardener?
No. Master Gardeners can teach any of the topics covered in the California Master Gardener Handbook that they are trained on in MG class. We do not cover any animal husbandry or beekeeping, nor do we cover food preservation, so we can’t allow you to teach those in your capacity as a UC Master Gardener. We will provide you with suggestions about where to refer members of the public who are interested in these topics.
4. When will I do my Master Gardener hours? Will you assign me projects?
During your first year of the Master Gardener Program, you’ll complete your minimum 50 volunteer hours by working on specific assigned projects. After your first year, you can continue working on those projects, you can work on any other established project, or you can create your own project with prior approval from MG staff. We also send out numerous volunteer opportunities – it will be up to you to respond to and follow up with these. Your first-year volunteer hours must be completed by June 30, 2025.
5. I want to apply, but it is possible that I will be moving away within the next year. Should I apply?
If there is a possibility that you will move away from Los Angeles County in your first year after training, we encourage you to apply another time! We invest a great deal in training each Los Angeles County Master Gardener, and when they cannot do their volunteer hours because they move away, it means that we have less support to offer to the many schools and community groups that request Master Gardener assistance. So if you are planning a career change that may involve a transfer, are applying to graduate schools out of the area, etc., we ask that you hold off and apply at another time.
6. How many people become Master Gardeners in Los Angeles County each year?
Most years about 50 applicants are accepted into the Master Gardener Program. We typically receive 100-150 applications since there are so many enthusiastic gardeners in Los Angeles County. Those invited typically have a strong track record as community volunteers who already have some knowledge of gardening. People often apply more than once before they enter the program.
7. I don’t live in Los Angeles County; can I still apply?
Each county has its own UC Master Gardener Program; please apply in your county of residence. Please use this link to find your program if you live in another county.
8. I am a staff member at an agency that works with school gardens (or community gardens, etc.) Does my work count for my Master Gardener hours?
No, Master Gardener work is not paid work. It may be possible to get your volunteer hours with your agency after your first year as an MG, with prior approval of MG staff, but you will need to do something that’s above and beyond your paid assignment.
9. I have an unpaid internship with an agency that works with school gardens (or community gardens, etc.). Does my work count for my Master Gardener hours?
No, we consider this much the same as paid employment. You may be able to get your volunteer hours with your agency after your first year as an MG, with prior approval of MG staff, but you will need to do something that’s above and beyond your existing internship.
10. I am passionate about organic gardening (permaculture gardening, square foot gardening, etc.) and I really want to teach that method. Will that be okay?
In the UC Master Gardener Program, you’ll be learning university research-based information about many aspects of gardening. You’ll be offering options to those you work with, rather than promoting one particular style of gardening.
11. What if I want the training but don’t have time to volunteer?
The UC Master Gardener Training Program is specifically for individuals who have time to volunteer. We count on our trained Master Gardeners to respond to numerous community volunteer requests. When people do not fulfill their volunteer commitment, it prevents us from reaching people in Los Angeles who need help learning how to garden – at schools, in communities, and other locations. Fortunately, if you are interested in the information only, there are other options. You can purchase the UC Master Gardener Handbook or take one of our 4-week Grow LA Gardens sessions in spring or fall.
12. I’m still not sure if this program is right for me or if I qualify.
Please be sure to find out about upcoming live orientation/Q&A events where you will hear from Master Gardeners, have an opportunity to ask them questions, and hear tips on submitting your application. We will announce these events on our website and our Facebook and Instagram pages (@ucmastergardenerslosangeles). Please be sure to tune in!