The University of California Cooperative Extension in Yolo County established the Master Gardener program in 1994. Consultation topics include vegetable gardening, small-scale fruit production, and general home horticulture. Since its inception, the UC Cooperative Extension department has trained over 100 volunteers and continually recruits additional volunteers for the Master Gardener program.
Master Gardener volunteers provide free public education courses, demonstrations, and plant clinics throughout the county. Master Gardeners staff information booths at local events to expand their contacts within the county. Volunteers work with schools, disabled young adults, and other groups to provide classes and demonstrations in gardening and horticultural science. Volunteers serve as speakers and organize presentations for organizations, clubs, and retirement homes. Trained horticulturists in the program are available to help diagnosis plant problems and answer gardening questions.
Services available to Yolo County residents include a Master Gardener Hotline at 530-666-8737 and Master Gardeners are available to answer questions at the Davis Farmer's Market. Trained volunteers will answer your gardening questions directly or will research more complex problems by using UC publications, reference books, or consult with Farm Advisors or UC Extension Specialists. Many UC publications on home gardening are available through the Master Gardener volunteers or through the UC Cooperative Extension Office.
How Can I Become A Master Gardener? Yolo County trains new Master Gardeners every other year. A new class will start in January, 2009. A letter regarding the program will be sent out in September, 2008 to anyone interested in joining. An informal information meeting will be held in the fall to answer questions and give an overall picture of the Master Gardener program and its connection with the community.
If you would like to be included in the mailing list for the information night, please respond via email to kberrettoni@ucdavis.edu or call the Cooperative Extension Office at 530-666-8143. Please include your name, phone number, street address, and email address when you leave your message. (In an effort to 'go green' and save resources, our preferred method of communication is via email. Quick, easy, and it saves trees!)