Our mission as University of California Master Gardener volunteers is to extend research-based sustainable gardening and composting information to the public through various educational outreach methods. We strive to present accurate, impartial information to local gardeners so they have the knowledge to make informed gardening decisions in regard to plant choices, soil fertility, pest management, irrigation practices, and more.
The Master Gardener volunteer program was started in the early 1970s at Washington State University. Farm Advisors became overwhelmed by all the incoming calls from home gardeners and homesteaders, so they trained volunteers to answer these questions and the “Master Gardener Program” was born. The first University of California Master Gardener programs began in 1980 in Sacramento and Riverside counties. The Nevada County and Placer County Master Gardener Programs began soon after in 1983.
UCCE Cooperative Extension was established in Placer and Nevada Counties in 1917. Our mission is to help all segments of the community benefit from the scientific advances in our nation's land-grant universities, particularly in the areas of agriculture, family and consumer sciences, and youth development. The Master Gardener Program operates under the umbrella of the UCCE.
UC Master Gardeners of Placer County Outreach
- Website
- Help Desk/Ask a Gardening Question
- Demonstration Garden
- Publications:
- Annual, Gardening Guide and Calendar
- Free quarterly newsletter, The Curious Gardener
- Monthly, newspaper article in the Gold Country Media, which includes the Auburn Journal
- Public Workshops, Home Shows/Festivals, Farmers’ Markets
- School and Community Gardens
- Social Media:
- Facebook – UCCE Placer County Master Gardeners
- Instagram – placercountymgs
- YouTube – UC Master Gardeners of Placer County
- Speakers by Request
- Special Events
- Garden Faire – An annual free-to-the-public event held in the spring.
- Mother’s Day Garden Tour – An annual tour on the 2nd Sunday of May. This tour is held in various locations around Placer County each year.
About Master Gardeners (pdf)
How to Become a Master Gardener
The UC Master Gardeners of Placer and Nevada Counties train during even numbered years, normally January through May. During the previous fall, we will schedule an informational meeting about becoming a Master Gardener. If you are interested in volunteering your time to help others learn about gardening, learn more about our program here.