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UC Master Gardeners of Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties

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Become a Master Gardener

Interested in becoming a UC Master Gardener in Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties? Learn about the program, requirements, training, and how to apply to share your gardening passion and expertise with your community!
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Event

California Native Plants for Year-Round Color

Aug 23, 2025

One of the easiest and most beneficial ways to ensure seasonal color in your garden is to include California Native Plants. Join Master Gardener volunteers as we share ideas for using native plants to provide year-round color in your garden.
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Replace your Lawn with Low-Growing California Natives

Sep 27, 2025

It takes a lot of water, fertilizer, and time to maintain a lush green lawn. Learn how and what to replace your lawn with to improve your soil, reduce your water use and provide habitat for native plants and animals. Join Master Gardener volunteers as we share tips and techniques for removing and…
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Earth Friendly Gardening Workshops

July 9, 2025
 Earth Friendly GardeningJoin the University of California Master Gardeners of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties for a series of four workshops on Earth Friendly Gardening at the Marina Library.  Earth Friendly Gardening provides guidelines recommended by UC Master Gardeners for…
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Welcome, Bienvenidos!

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Welcome to the UC Master Gardeners of Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties website. Find links to our upcoming classes, learn about who we are and what we do, discover resources and tips for growing the most beautiful and productive garden in your space and consider joining us in the future as a UC Master Gardener! Our website includes information and classes for our neighbors in San Benito County as well.

 

Would you like to become a UC Master Gardener?

The application period for the UC Master Gardener class of 2026 is now open!

We're looking for enthusiastic learners in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties who want to deepen their gardening skills and give back through hands-on, research-based education and outreach. Find out how you can join us as a UC Master Gardener!

Information here!

 

 

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Thank you to everyone who attended our Native Plant Boot Camp and helped make it such a success!

We’d also like to thank all of our partners for their contributions. You made the day something really special.

We look forward to holding more events like this in the future and hope you’ll be able to join us!

Featured Topics

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Upcoming Classes & Events
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Ask a Master Gardener
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Gardening Safely After the Moss Landing Fire 
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Become a Master Gardener!
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What to do in the Garden in August
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Visit our YouTube channel
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Read our past issues here

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Find more helpful information about gardening in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties throughout our website. 
 

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Upcoming Events

Honey bees on Matilija poppy
August 16, 2025

Celebrate National Honey Bee Day!

DISCOVER THE FASCINATING WORLD OF HONEYBEES! Learn why these essential pollinators play a vital role in our environment This fun and educational event is perfect for the whole family!Live…
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pink California poppies
August 23, 2025

California Native Plants for Year-Round Color

One of the easiest and most beneficial ways to ensure seasonal color in your garden is to include California Native Plants. Join Master Gardener volunteers as we share ideas for using native…
View Event
a gloved hand holding garden soil
September 20, 2025

Earth Friendly Gardening: Improving Your Soil

How healthy is your soil? For this workshop, you’ll need to bring a sealed Ziploc-type bag containing one cup of soil you’ve collected from your garden. During the workshop, we’ll analyze the…
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Mission Statement

To extend research based knowledge and information on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscape practices to the residents of California and be guided by our core values and strategic initiatives.