I've applied to become a University of California Master Gardener
(Posting this here because of the growing interest, no pun intended, in edible home gardens / urban & suburban landscapes ~ pinto)
It's a volunteer gig but the training is rigorous, science based and targeted to local communities in CA. Spoke with the local rep and she agreed - edible home gardening is now a key aspect to the UC program.
I'm really excited. Have been looking for a volunteer opportunity outside of the health care field. Before my Public Health career I was a commercial ornamental / vegetable grower - so this would kind of be a new start and a return.
The edible gardening aspect sold me.
http://ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/Master_Gardener_Training_Program/
= new reply since forum marked as read
And you're the perfect candidate!
Kitchen dancing just got tastier, and healthier!
More and more people are growing vegetables instead of lawns these days, so the field is getting a lot of interest.
I hope you have a ball!
Onions, greens and even asparagus. This is in a really small space, yet lots of my cooking includes walking out the front door.
Very smart and yummy too!
Plus very healthy.
I can't think of anyone better at this! Can't wait to hear more! 
and i is great that you are going to do it!!!! 
when I first moved up here. I did my volunteer time at Brae Maple Organic Farm. Along with working in the heritage kitchen garden and cleaning up some of the older herb gardens that were running wild, we started a medicine wheel garden. I also spent 1 day/week fielding calls in the Master Gardener program office.
It's a great gig for you. 
The Master Gardeners in my county maintain a summer demonstration garden where they hold weekly seminars on gardening specific to our area. I've learned a lot from them.
Cheers to you for signing up!
How fun!
My dil did a similar course at Cal-Poly. Be prepared to really learn about your garden bugs though. 
