Public Service Agencies

San Diego County Master Gardener Association

One of the least-known treasure troves of information in San Diego County is that over two hundred members of the San Diego County Master Gardeners Association provide home gardening and pest control information throughout the county, FREE to the public.

Master Gardeners are volunteers trained and supervised by the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE).

The mission of the UCCE is to conduct research on new pests and issues affecting the county, and to provide research based information to the public. The county of San Diego provides support for the local UCCE office which is known as the Farm and Home Advisor Department.

You can bring your sample of unknown plant, diseased plant or insect to identify to the Master Gardener office; you can also call The Master Gardener "Hortline"; or, you can "Email us Your Question" at our web site. A Master Gardener will answer your questions on home gardening and pest control Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 3:00PM. And it's FREE!

"Hortline" phone: (858) 694-2860

"Hortline" hours: 9:00AM to 3:00PM Monday-Friday

Email Address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

University of California Cooperative Extension, Farm and Home Advisor

The University of California Cooperative Extension, Farm and Home Advisor's Office conducts a variety of programs in education and applied research in a unique three-way partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the University of California, and the County of San Diego. Also known as "Cooperative Extension (CE)," the Farm and Home Advisor Office plays a central role in connecting San Diegans to the resources of a national network of land-grant universities. The Farm and Home Advisor's office is celebrating its 96th year. University of California advisors work with community leaders, government agencies, private organizations, and individuals to address local issues and solve problems. They extract useful and practical information from research and extend it to farmers, land managers, business people, educators, families, and consumers. Educational programs are conducted by way of public outreach through individual consultations, seminars, field days, publications, and the mass media.

Phone: (858) 694-2845
Fax: (858) 694-2849

e-mail Address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Phone: (760) 752-4724
Fax: (760) 752-4725