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Monterey Bay Green Gardener Certification Program

Green Gardener Class of 2015_Group Shot

Green Gardener Class of 2015

The Monterey Bay Green Gardener Program trains and certifies landscape industry workers in Monterey Bay-Friendly Landscaping design and maintenance practices. In order to become certified, gardeners attend the certification-level series which consists of ten weekday evening class sessions for a total of 20-30 hours of instruction and a Saturday class project. Gardeners must obtain a passing score on a final exam that covers all core subjects and must complete a comprehensive self-evaluation of their landscape practices. Continuing education is not required to maintain certification. However, certified gardeners are encouraged to attend continuing education classes.

For Information About Upcoming Classes

Call Watsonville Adult Education at (831) 786-2160 or go online at Watsonville Aptos Adult Education. Participants will have the opportunity to earn the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper Certification.

Green Gardener Class of 2013

Skill-Building Practice takes place in the Monterey Bay Friendly demonstration landscape at the Watsonville-Aptos Adult School.

 

 

 

Who are the Instructors and What Topics are Covered?

Green Gardener instructors are landscape contractors and experts in the field. The 10-week certification-level is offered in both English and Spanish. The advanced curriculum provides an additional four-ten-week series as funding allows.

Green Gardener Curriculum Core topics:

Certification-Level
Curriculum Topics
ADVANCED Continuing Education Topics
Soil Health
Sustainability/ Green Design
Fertilizers and Water Quality
Efficient Irrigation Design and Technology
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Advanced Irrigation Scheduling & Weather Based Controllers
Irrigation I -Soils and Water
Integrated Pest Management for Weeds
Irrigation II-Efficient Irrigation Scheduling
Integrated Pest Management for Vertebrates and Biological Control
Irrigation III-Irrigation Troubleshooting
Advanced Natural Pruning
Natural Pruning
Soil Food Web/ Compost Tea/Soil Fertility
Mulches & Compost
Successful Plant Installation
Plant Selection for Water Conservation
Abiotic Disorders
Air Quality + Final Exam

Stormwater Management and Low-Impact Development

Greywater Irrigation System Design and Maintenance Certification

Interested in Implementing a Green Gardener Certification Program in Your Area? Please contact:

Sherry Lee Bryan

Program Manager

Ecology Action

Email: sherry@ecoact.org

Phone: 831-515-1314

 

Other Professional Development Programs for Landscape Industry Professionals

Bay Friendly Landscaping Certification Program

The Bay-Friendly Landscaping Coalition offers workshops for backyard gardeners and training and certification for landscaping professionals living in the San Francisco Bay Area. (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, and Santa Clara Counties).

UC Master Gardeners of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties

This program is an excellent local resource for continuing horticultural education. Check the schedule for trainings and apply online to attend.

CLCA Water Management Certification Program

CLCA Water Managers must pass a written test, complete a water audit training and manage at least one property for one year and continue to manage a property at or below the landscape water budget established by the CLCA Water Management Performance Program.