Become a Master Gardener

Interested in becoming a UCCE San Bernardino County Master Gardener? 

Our next class of 2025 will begin in the fall of 2024 (Sept or Oct) and our application will be out in early summer of 2024.

If you have any questions or would like to get on our waiting list please email our counties Master Gardener helpline at mgsanbern@ucanr.edu

More about our program:

Our UCCE San Bernardino County Master Gardeners come from all walks of life and represent communities and neighborhoods throughout the county. 

Who makes a good Master Gardener candidate?

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a strong desire to enrich their community by sharing what they learn with others
• Volunteer at least 50 hours of their time in approved community service activities
• Enjoy interacting with others and problem-solving
• Be interpersonally skilled, patient, and flexible
• Have an interest in increasing his/her horticultural knowledge and skills

Who are University of California Master Gardeners?

University of California Master Gardeners are trained volunteers from all walks of life who share objective research-based knowledge on all aspects of home horticulture with county residents after receiving 50 hours of training from University of California academics and external practitioners. Master Gardeners share this knowledge primarily by conducting workshops and demonstrations; disseminating gardening literature at public service events; addressing inquiries received through garden phone and email hotlines; identifying pest problems at plant clinics; and, contributing to our UC blogs and newsletter.

The main priorities of the San Bernardino County Master Gardener program are:

- Sustainable Landscapes that conserve water, recycle greenwaste, nurture soil, use integrated pest management principles stressing prevention to ward off pests and weeds, are energy-efficient, and attract appropriate wildlife.  

- Food Production (backyard, community, and school gardens grown pesticide-free)

- Healthy Communities that connect our growing urban population with natural environments that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Master Gardeners also provide information in other areas of home horticulture and community greening. If, for example, you are an expert in a specialty area such as bromeliads, low impact lawns, plant propagation, or any other area, do not hesitate to apply to the program and expand our palette of community education based on your special skills!

The Master Gardener Trainee Course typically focuses on these topics:

• Sustainable Landscaping
• Irrigation
• Weed Science
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Plant Propagation
• Pollinators
• Invasive Plants
• Growing Vegetables
• Urban Ag/Food Sustainability
• Growing Citrus, Sub-Tropicals, and Avocados
• Arboriculture
• Plant Pathology
• Gardening for Mental Health and Wellness

The book that is used for the course is the Master Gardener Handbook:

Master Gardener Handbook (ANR Catalog)