The Ask a Master Gardener (AAMG) program began its new season in March, offering gardening advice and information to residents of Contra Costa County through farmers markets and community events. The AAMG season will run from March to October, with volunteers present at locations including Danville, Martinez, Pinole, San Ramon City Center, and Walnut Creek Downtown starting this month.
The initiative aims to reach local residents where they shop and gather by providing evidence-based gardening resources. According to the organizers, all AAMG events are posted on the Volunteer Management System Calendar on the 10th of the prior month. Additional farmers market tables and “Our Garden” sites will open in April. Single-day events scheduled for April include the Gehringer Garden Open House on April 4, John Muir Earth Day/Birthday Celebration on April 18, and San Ramon Historical Foundation Sheep Shearing Day on April 25.
AAMG volunteers also plan to participate in four Great Tomato Plant Sales across Central County (April 12-13), East County (April 18), and West County (May 2). Organizers say that thousands of home gardeners benefit each year from UC Agriculture and Natural Resources-approved information designed to help them grow food sustainably, maintain landscapes efficiently, conserve water, and adopt environmentally friendly practices.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources supports programs like AAMG through public contributions according to the official website. The organization is part of the University of California system managing Cooperative Extension services according to the official website, promoting sustainable practices for resilient ecosystems according to the official website, operating nine research centers as laboratories representing diverse ecosystems according to the official website, conducting over 33,800 educational events annually with more than 18,400 volunteers according to the official website, extending university research statewide through workshops and partnerships according to the official website, and being recognized for linking research with community needs according to the official website.
The recent AAMG kick-off event took place at Bisso Lane on March 24. During this gathering new resources were introduced along with updated materials for use at outreach tables. Organizers encourage both returning members and new graduates from UC Master Gardeners’ class of 2026 to join their efforts serving Contra Costa residents outdoors alongside experienced volunteers.
