This page provides information about applying for the next Master Gardener initial training, which will take place January through May 2027. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
To learn more about our program and our passion for sharing science-based, eco-friendly, sustainable gardening practices with the home gardening public, please visit Becoming a UC Master Gardener. We also welcome you to attend some of our talks and events.
Eligibility requirements
You must be a resident of Santa Clara County and at least 18 years of age.
Application process
The application process has 3 steps:
- Mandatory Information Session: You must attend an information session. These meetings provide detailed information on the application process, Master Gardener training, and program requirements. Register in advance for one of them:
- Wednesday, September 2, 12:00 to 1:30 pm via Zoom
- Saturday, September 12, In-Person Sessions
- 9:30 to 11:00 am, County of Santa Clara Animal Services
12425 Monterey Rd., San Martin, CA - 12:00 to 1:30 pm, Willow Glen Library
1157 Minnesota Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
- 9:30 to 11:00 am, County of Santa Clara Animal Services
- Tuesday, September 15, 6:30 to 8:00 pm via Zoom
- Application: Following your attendance at one of the information sessions, a link to the application will be emailed to you. Applications are due by Tuesday, September 22, at 5:00 pm.
- Interview: We will review applications, interview candidates, and select people for the new class. Zoom interviews will take place in the evening beginning Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 30. Applicants will be notified of our decision by Friday, November 6, 2026.
Acceptance into program
If you are accepted into the UC Master Gardener Program, you will be enrolled in a weekly training class held via Zoom on Thursday evenings from January through May 2027. In addition to the weekly classes, there will be 8 in-person hands-on workshops at our various Demonstration Gardens. These classes will be held on Saturday mornings.
There is a tuition fee of approximately $300 due on acceptance which covers training and resource materials. Need-based scholarships are available—applicants will not be turned away for lack of funds.
For working with the public, UC requires that trainees be fingerprinted and pass a background check. (There are many places in the community to have this done, including some UPS stores, some community centers, and some churches. See the full list.)
Training program schedule
Trainees are expected to attend all classes, including the Saturday morning sessions.
Welcome Reception: January 9, Saturday morning, San Jose
Thursday evening Zoom classes:
January 14 through May 27, 6:00 to 9:00 pm
(No class on February 18 and April 8)
Saturday mornings in person at various Demonstration Gardens
January 23
January 30
February 27
March 13
March 27
April 24
May 8
May 22
Graduation: Saturday, June 5, Martial Cottle Park
Volunteer responsibilities
Following the completion of training, UC Master Gardener volunteers must complete 50 hours of volunteer service during the first year in the program. In subsequent years, 25 hours of volunteer service and 12 hours of continuing education are required.