Interested in becoming a Master Gardener?

Sign up to be notified when registration opens in 2024

Sign me up

Overview

The University of Nevada, Reno Extension Master Gardener program is a volunteer educator program designed to teach research-based Nevada gardening practices to volunteers who in turn share this knowledge with their local communities through educational presentations and workshops, community events, answering home gardening questions at their local county Extension office, and much more.

Master Gardener Intern (first-year) Commitments

The minimum hour commitments during the first year as a Master Gardener Intern are:

  • 15 hours of continuing education (CE)
  • 35 hours of approved volunteer projects or activities

Master Gardener Annual Commitments

The minimum yearly hour commitments as a Master Gardener are:

  • 10 hours of continuing education (CE)
  • 20 hours on approved volunteer projects or activities

*Counties may require additional volunteer hours. Each county may also have hour requirements for specific types of volunteer activities, such as the help desk.

Training

Master Gardener volunteer taking a break after pruning roses.

In Clark County, Extension's Master Gardener volunteers maintain extensive Botanic Gardens that are open to the public.

People interested in becoming a Master Gardener volunteer must take the Home Horticulture Certificate course before being accepted into the Master Gardener Training Program. The training program is an integrated, practical training course in plant science and is statewide.

Both the Home Horticulture and Master Gardener courses are held online, annually in fall. The trainings feature videos, readings, discussion boards, quizzes, live question-and-answer sessions, and lab homework. Some counties require additional in-person activities during the training, as well as additional educational requirements. Additional reading materials will be suggested for participants to purchase on their own but are not required.

The total cost of the Master Gardener Training Program is $300 ($275 for the Home Horticulture Certificate Program, and $25 for the Master Gardener Training Program). The cost includes course materials and supports Extension's horticulture programs and staff.

Impacts

Master Gardeners standing in front of demonstration garden.

Extension's Master Gardeners in Southern Nye County give back to the program by volunteering in their local Extension demonstration garden.

In 2023, the Extension Master Gardener program grew! The program training went entirely online and was offered statewide.

  • 237 Certified Master Gardeners
  • 61 new Master Gardener Interns
  • 29,604.25 hours volunteered by Master Gardeners
  • $941,415.15 worth of volunteer time back to our local communities
  • 4,501 pounds of produce donated
  • Over 100 volunteer projects around the state
 

Get involved

Do you like to grow plants, help people and support your community?

Ask a Master Gardener
Become a Master Gardener
Donate to the program

Featured publications and newsletters

nevada sunset

Climate Change Impacts in Nevada

Summarized in this fact sheet are specific details about how climate change has already and will continue to impact the state of Nevada and strategies that can be used to prepare for these changes.

yarrow

Groundcover Plants for Southern Nevada: Viable Alternatives to Turfgrass

Groundcover plants are essential for keeping southern Nevada cool. While many desert residents are removing turfgrass to reduce water use, they should consider replacing it with the attractive, drought tolerant alternatives discussed in this publication.

lettuce seedlings

Northern Area (Reno) Planting Schedule

Find out when to plant vegetables with the Extension Master Gardener's planting guide for the Reno area!

Explore our publications and newsletters

Meet the leadership team

Katelyn Brinkerhoff
State Wide
Katelyn Brinkerhoff