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 demonstations 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.