How to Become a Master Gardener

The next UCCE Nevada County Master Gardener volunteer training is scheduled for 2026. Please feel free to complete this brief interest survey. We will be in touch with you toward the end of 2025. Happy Gardening!

What is the UC Master Gardener program all about?

Thank you for your interest in the University of California (UC) Master Gardener volunteer program. The UC Master Gardener program is a county-based volunteer program; that is, the local University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) county office administers the local Master Gardener program.

In our case, the UCCE office covers 2 counties (Nevada and Placer) and therefore we administer two Master Gardener programs, each one separate and distinct. Our Nevada County office at the Veteran's Memorial Building in Grass Valley is the home base for the UC Master Gardeners of Nevada County while our Placer County office in Auburn serves our UC Master Gardeners of Placer County.

The UC Master Gardener program is a VOLUNTEER program not a CERTIFICATE program.

If accepted into the program, you are trained and then “certified” an active UC Master Gardener volunteer in the greater county program. You then volunteer your time (50 hours the first year, 25 each year thereafter) to remain “certified” and active in the program. If you fail to put in your volunteer hours, you are no longer able to claim “UC Master Gardener” status. Each UC Master Gardener program has multiple projects that a volunteer can become engaged in to earn their hours. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities!!

If you have more questions about the Nevada or Placer County Master Gardener program, feel free to leave a message on our Hotline (530)273-0919 or email mastergardenersofnevadacounty@gmail.com