Information on becoming a Master Gardener

Are you a Santa Clara County resident who would enjoy sharing gardening knowledge? Do you want to learn more eco-friendly, sustainable gardening practices?

The Santa Clara County Master Gardeners accept new members every two years; applications are accepted in even numbered years, training takes place in the first half of odd numbered years. The application process for the class of 2009 closed as of September 5, 2008. If you're interested in joining the program in the future, you can call us to have your name put on a list to be notified about information meetings for the 2011 class.

For reference, here's information on the now-completed 2009 application process:

Initial Training classes will be Thursdays in the daytime and commence in January, 2009. Each class will be approximately four hours and run through May 2009. Topics from botany to pruning to integrated pest management will be taught by expert instructors and will prepare trainees to volunteer with the UCCE Master Gardener Program.

• Attendance at an Information Meeting prior to submitting an application is required. The Information Meetings will be held in July, August and September in the Santa Clara County Office Building Auditorium which is located at 1555 Berger Drive in San Jose.
• Applications will be available at the Information Meetings.
• The fee for the class will be $150 including textbooks. The fee is due upon acceptance into the program. Scholarships may be available.
• To sign up for an Information Meeting, call (408) 282-3128. For your gardening questions, call the Master Gardener Hotline at (408) 282-3105 weekdays between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm.