The application process for the 2025 Master Gardener Training Class is closed. Information on how to apply for the next Napa County Master Gardener Training Class, which will be conducted in early 2026, will be posted in June 2025. 

In the interim, we encourage you to hone your horticultural knowledge and see if our organization is a good fit for you by attending our workshops and demonstrations, following us on social media, and joining our mailing list. Click here for more information.

To give you a flavor of what is required to become a Master Gardener Volunteer, check out our 2025 Master Gardener class brochure.

If you are committed to sharing and teaching information to others, the Master Gardeners of Napa County offer you the opportunity to learn and to use your knowledge of gardening to serve the community.

The UC Master Gardener Program is a volunteer organization that is dedicated to providing environmentally sustainable, science-based horticultural education to home gardeners. Master Gardeners Napa County have a deep commitment to community service and are willing to volunteer as agents of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE). We strongly encourage BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) applicants. We aim to have a volunteer force as diverse as the residents of Napa County.

FAQs about the UC Master Gardener Program

What is the Master Gardener Program?

The UC Master Gardener program is certified by the University of California Cooperative Extension in the areas of home gardening and horticulture. Since 1995, the UC Master Gardener program has been training volunteers to provide science-based horticultural information to residential gardeners in Napa County.

Who are Master Gardener Volunteers?

Master Gardener Volunteers are adults of all ages and from all walks of life and represent communities and neighborhoods throughout the county.  Successful Master Gardener Volunteers are people willing to learn, willing to volunteer, and willing to be involved; some knowledge of plants and gardening is an asset. Master Gardener Volunteers are well trained and enthusiastic individuals capable of imparting their knowledge to diverse groups of people in a wide range of community settings.

What training do Master Gardener Volunteers receive?

Master Gardener trainees participate in a training program comprised of instruction in plant science and sustainable horticulture covering such topics as soils, fertilizers, irrigation, weeds, diseases, insects and other pests, fruit and landscape trees, vegetables, xeriscaping, firewise landscaping and more. Trainings are conducted in English. Classes are taught by experts in their fields including Cooperative Extension Advisors and specialists from the University of California, local community college faculty, and other knowledgeable resource people.

What is the Master Gardener Volunteer’s commitment to the program?

After completing the training and passing a written exam, First-Year Master Gardener Volunteers are required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service their first year. To retain the title of Master Gardener in ensuing years, Master Gardener Volunteers must complete 12 hours of continuing education per year and perform 25 hours of volunteer service per year. (Most Master Gardener Volunteers contribute considerably more than the required minimum number of hours.)

How do Master Gardener Volunteers earn volunteer hours?

• Answer inquiries from the public at our UCCE Information Desk, and staff information tables at community fairs and farmers’ markets
• Provide consultation and education events at community gardens and school gardens
• Develop curriculum and/or teach workshops
• Manage social media platforms for community and educational outreach
• Write articles for internal communications and community publications
• Assist with various committees that run our organization’s programs
• Design and maintain MG approved demonstration gardens

Additional Questions?

Contact us at ucmgnapatraining@gmail.com