UC Master Gardener volunteers serve their communities by supporting local projects, answering questions from the public, teaching workshops, leading plant clinics, speaking on a variety of subjects, participating in plant sales, and more. We are now actively recruiting for the new class of UC Master Gardener volunteers for San Mateo and San Francisco Counties. First view a video explaining the procedures and requirements for becoming a Master Gardener, and then fill out an application. The fee for the entire 16-week course, which begins in January 2022, is $375 and includes excellent books and other useful educational materials. We also have some scholarships available. Most importantly, the deadline for applications is July 15, 2021.

Two virtual gardening classes are being offered during the summer: compost basics for everyone, and good bugs/bad bugs on edible plants. Registration is through the South San Francisco Parks & Recreation Department and open to both residents and non-residents. An account needs to be created to register.

The Calscape Garden Planner is a tool that finds the perfect native plants for your garden and shares show-stopping designs to fit your landscaping style. Want to attract butterflies? Need HOA friendly designs? Have a shady yard? The Calscape Garden Planner has you covered, right down to your zip code. Start planning now!

San Francisco Bay Area is a hiker's dream offering hundreds of miles of trails for all levels. With everything from looming redwoods to scenic coastal views, you could hike somewhere different every weekend. An exploration in close proximity to the coast makes for remarkable views of the ocean, hikes through the lush redwood forests offer shade and enchantment, and a trip to the hills provides a mix of open grasslands and forest with far-reaching views of the surrounding area. View video.

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.

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

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.

Find helpful hints of things to do from January to December. Some examples of spring hints are: prune back herbaceous plants, transplant tomato seedlings, work your cover crops into the soil before they seed, remove aphids from plants with a strong stream of water, start planting summer annuals like lobelia, begonias, marigolds, cosmos, petunias, snapdragons and alyssum, and plant gladiolus, dahlias and lilies for summer blooms. View our monthly checklist.

Until it is safe to open our Helpline Offices to the public due to Covid-19, the Master Gardeners will continue to work remotely. All questions can be directed via email.

Please provide the following information to facilitate a prompt response:

Many, many thanks to all of our Helpline Volunteers who are working the Helpline remotely and keeping our clients happily gardening! For more information, visit Advice to Grow By – Ask a Master Gardener!