UC Master Gardeners of Amador County Logo

UC Master Gardeners of Amador County

up close image of California poppies

Welcome to UC Master Gardeners of Amador County

 

UC Master Gardener volunteers work in the community providing public education classes on a variety of home gardening topics including fire resilient landscape, pollinator habitat, home orchard care, vegetable gardening and more! Keep an eye out for UC Master Gardeners at local events like the county fair, farmers markets and many other outreach events throughout the year. Trained UC Master Gardener volunteers empower Amador County residents with practical skills to grow food, care for gardens, and protect California’s natural resources through sustainable, climate-smart gardening.

Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned green thumb, we’re here to help your garden thrive in Amador County’s unique climate.


Stay Connected

Would you like updates and information about Public Education Classes and Events from the UC Master Gardeners? Add your name to our newsletter and events update list to get the latest information.


Get Gardening Help

Have a Gardening Question? Our trained UC Master Gardener volunteers provide free, research-based advice on:

  • Growing fruits and vegetables in Amador County
  • Identifying and managing pests and diseases
  • Selecting the right plants for our growing zones
  • Soil health, composting, and water-wise gardening
  • Lawn care, pruning, and landscape maintenance

Office hours: 10am-1pm, Tues., and Thurs.
Office location: 12200-B Airport Rd., Jackson

You can also leave a message on our office telephone: 209-223-6838, or fill out the Ask a Master Gardener online request form.


Join Us For Events & Workshops

The UC Master Gardeners of Amador County offer free workshops, demonstrations, and community events throughout the year. From hands-on pruning classes to seasonal vegetable growing workshops, our programs are designed for gardeners of all experience levels.

View upcoming events


Gardening Tips for Amador County

Succeed in Our Climate

Know Your Growing Zones Amador County spans USDA hardiness zones 6b through 9b. Before selecting plants, determine your specific zone for your region (valley, foothill or alpine) as different plants succeed in different parts of the county.

Water Deeply and Less Often Our Mediterranean climate means hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Train your plants to be drought-tolerant by watering deeply but infrequently. Deep watering encourages roots to grow down rather than staying shallow. Most established plants need water every 7-10 days in summer, not every day.

Plant California Natives California native plants are perfectly adapted to our climate and require minimal water once established. Natives like California fuchsia, ceanothus, and manzanita thrive in Amador County with little care while supporting local pollinators and beneficial insects.

Mulch Your Garden Beds A 3-4 inch layer of mulch keeps soil cool in our hot summers, suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and improves soil as it breaks down. Use wood chips, straw, or compost—just keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems.


Become a UC Master Gardener Volunteer

Love gardening? Want to make a difference in Amador County?

Join our team of trained volunteers! As a UC Master Gardener, you'll receive expert training from University of California specialists and use that knowledge to help your community. Whether you enjoy teaching workshops, staffing our plant clinic, or working in demonstration gardens, there's a role for you.

Learn more about volunteering


Featured Programs

Image
Pink roses and yellow lupin flowers growing in a garden
Photo Credit: Susan Price

Heritage Rose & Native Plant Garden Visit Amador's Heritage Rose Garden, a showcase of historic roses and native California plants. Open Tuesday mornings, Winter Hours: 9:30am-11:00am, Summer Hours: 8:30am*-11:00am, start time depends on weather conditions.

School Garden Support We help 8 Amador County schools maintain educational gardens where students learn to grow plants and connect with nature. If you are interested in working with a UC Master Gardener at your school, please fill out the Requesting a School Mentor section of the Ask a Master Gardener survey. 

Composting Resources Learn all about composting on the Central Sierra Composting Resources Page, and explore our new Amador Compost Learning Center! 

Contribute for a Better Future

Upcoming Events

a photo of an orange rose blooming
Event Date
February 14, 2026

Valentine’s Day Rose Pruning Workshop

Valentine’s Day Rose Pruning WorkshopGive your garden (and yourself) some love this February 14thCome solo or bring a loved one!Join us for a hands-on class where you’ll learn:·   …

Office Locations

General Services Administration Building

12200B Airport Road
Jackson, CA 95642
United States

Email the Master Gardeners with your garden questions.

Mission Statement

Our mission is simple: "To extend research-based knowledge and information on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscape practices to the residents of California."