Become A Master Gardener

The next training program to become a San Francisco/San Mateo County Master Gardener begins January 2024. Do you love to garden, are interested in plant anatomy/physiology and care, enjoy sharing your knowledge with others, believe in volunteering within your community, and have enough time to complete the required volunteer service? If you answered yes, then the Master Gardener Volunteer Program could be for you. We are seeking people who will make a long-term commitment to the our program. Attend one of our scheduled "Information Sessions for Prospective Applicants" to learn more about the Master Gardener program and to see if it is right for you. We are offering four Information Sessions (three in-person and one virtual via Zoom). Only Information Session attendees will be invited to complete an application for the 2024 training program. View our website for the location and times of the Information Sessions. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to seeing you at one of the Information Sessions.

Spring in Your Garden

March/April/May Checklists

UC Master Gardeners

Find information for the current season, or view other seasonal checklists using the left panel of our main website.

East Palo Alto Community Farmers Market

2555 Pulgas Avenue

East Palo Alto, CA 94303

May 3, 2023, 9:00am-1:00pm

Visit the farmers market every Wednesday from April through November from 9:00am-1:00 pm, and stop by to chat with Master Gardeners who will be staffing an informational table. The farmers market offers local, organic, and seasonal produce from nearby farmers as well as honey, soaps and hummus. Read more.

Noe Valley Garden Tour

Friends of Noe Valley, San Francisco

May 6, 2023, 10:00am-4:00pm

Nine private gardens will be open, so mark your calendar, grab some friends, buy your tickets, lace up your walking shoes and get ready to see some dazzling, impressive, and enchanting gardens, and stop by to chat with Master Gardeners who will be staffing an informational table. Read more.

Secrets to Successful Succulent Landscaping

UC Master Gardeners

North Beach Library, Community Room

850 Columbus Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94133

May 6, 2023, 3:00pm-4:30pm

Learn the secrets to a successful, healthy and colorful succulent landscape. A discussion will include pre-planting considerations before you go out to buy a truckload of plants and then ponder where to put them, garden design basics such as use of color, shapes, textures and heights, along with favorite recommendations for hardy landscape succulents that thrive in the Bay Area. This class is a combination in-person and virtual (Zoom) presentation.  Registration required.

Plant Clinic at the San Mateo Arboretum

San Mateo Arboretum in Central Park

101 9th Avenue

San Mateo, CA 94401

May 7, 2023, 12:00pm-3:00pm

Master Gardeners will be available to answer your questions from general information to advice about specific problems. Bring samples of your problem plants in clear plastics bags for better diagnosis. If you suspect insect damage, try to include some of the insects so they can be correctly identified. No registration required.

Secrets to Successful Succulent Landscaping

UC Master Gardeners

Zoom presentation

May 17, 2023, 6:30pm-8:00pm

Learn the secrets to a successful, healthy and colorful succulent landscape. A discussion will include pre-planting considerations before you go out to buy a truckload of plants and then ponder where to put them, garden design basics such as use of color, shapes, textures and heights, along with favorite recommendations for hardy landscape succulents that thrive in the Bay Area. This class is a combination in-person and virtual (Zoom) presentation. Registration required.

From Soil and Seeds to Nutritious Vegetables

UC Master Gardeners

San Mateo Library

55 W 3rd Avenue

San Mateo, CA 94402

May 20, 2023, 10:30am-11:30am

Learn about the basics of healthy soil and a plant-friendly environment, seed germination and seedling care, transplanting of seedlings and care of growing plants, as well as vegetable harvesting and post-harvesting garden care. A variety of techniques and helpful hints will be discussed to increase the likelihood of successful gardening. Attendees will become well versed in beginning with packets of seeds and ending with a variety of vegetables. Registration required.

From Soil and Seeds to Nutritious Vegetables

UC Master Gardeners

Brisbane Library

163 Visitacion Avenue

Brisbane, CA 94005

May 20, 2023, 2:00pm-3:00pm

Learn about the basics of healthy soil and a plant-friendly environment, seed germination and seedling care, transplanting of seedlings and care of growing plants, as well as vegetable harvesting and post-harvesting garden care. A variety of techniques and helpful hints will be discussed to increase the likelihood of successful gardening. Attendees will become well versed in beginning with packets of seeds and ending with a variety of vegetables. Registration required.

Divisadero Farmers Market

1377 Fell Street

San Francisco, CA 94117

Sundays Year-Round, 9:00am-1:00pm

The Divisadero Farmers Market sees close to 1,000 visitors annually on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Find citrus, winter greens, root veggies, Brussels sprouts, and more. Watch for spring onions, peas, fava beans, and other spring arrivals.  Visit the Master Gardener table for answers to your plant questions and about the Master Gardener program. Street parking available; for public transportation visit the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency website. Visit the Divisadero Farmers Market website for more information.

Native Plants

UC Master Gardeners

San Mateo Arboretum Society

Kohl Pump House

101 9th Avenue

San Mateo, CA 94402

June 4, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm

UC Master Gardener Leslie Muennemann focused on matching her southernmost San Mateo County flora by planting a mostly native garden over 12 years ago. She shares the design decision process along the way and what she has learned about the various native plants needs. This is a hybrid presentation both in person and on Zoom. Registration required.

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." Follow us on our Website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or YouTube channels.

PLANT PROBLEM DIAGNOSTIC TOOL

Choose the affected plant from photos displayed, click on the photo, remove any selections that do not apply, click on the plant names, and continue to filter selections to view the results for a possible diagnoses. Learn more.

GARDENING RESOURCES

Select links to access gardening resources, California Backyard Orchard, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), publications, and finding a local Master Gardener program.  Learn more.

ARBORETUM ALL-STARS

Do you need help picking plants for your sustainable home garden? Selecting from the “Arboretum All-Stars” list is an easy way to start making “green” choices for your great looking garden. Arboretum All-Stars are top plants recommended by the horticultural staff of the UC Davis Arboretum. They thrive in California’s Mediterranean climate and have qualities that make them great choices for sustainable home gardens. Use a searchable plant database to pick the perfect All-Star for your garden conditions. For more information, view their website.

NATIVE PLANT RESOURCES

Looking for plants native to California that are not only pretty but are pollinators and drought resistant? A few resources are: Xerces Society, California Native Plant Society, and Calflora, Or try a native plant database for plants within your zip code. This website will help you find the best native plants specifically for your area that attract butterflies and moths and the birds that feed on their caterpillars, based on the scientific research of Dr. Douglas Tallamy and Research Assistant Kimberley Shropshire.

CALIFORNIA INVASIVE PLANT COUNCIL

Browse the website to see all plants on the California Invasive Plant Council inventory, including both invasive plants and “watch” species. Clicking on the scientific name will take you to the Plant Profile where you will find links to more information on the plant.

 UC Master Gardener volunteers are ready help you and your garden. Have a question about gardening? Have a pest problem? Curious about what will grow well in your region? Submit your inquiry online.

Or visit the Master Gardener Helpline by phone, email, on the web, or in person. For more information visit our website.