2026 Home Horticulture Certificate Program

Sign up now to gain practical, Nevada-specific gardening knowledge and start building the skills you need to grow successfully in Nevada, while taking the first step toward becoming a certified Master Gardener.

Begin Your Path to Master Gardener

2025 by the numbers...

34,460.25 Hours volunteered
339 Trained volunteers
17,881 Pounds of produce donated

About our program


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.

How to become a Master Gardener volunteer

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.

Complete the four step process!

  1. Complete and pass the Home Horticulture Certificate Program 
    (pre-requisite)
  2. Apply to be a Master Gardener volunteer
  3. Complete required volunteer application process 
    (including, but not limited to, interview, background check and volunteer paperwork)
  4. Complete and pass the Master Gardener Training Program

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.

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 of 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.

Impacts throughout the state

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 2025, the Extension Master Gardener program

  • 339 Master Gardener volunteers
    • 60 Master Gardener interns (first year)
    • 283 Certified Master Gardeners
    • 6 Emeritus Master Gardeners
  • 73 Master Gardener students
  • 34,460.25 volunteer hours donated back to Nevada that equal a value of $1,063,442.31
  • 17,881 pounds of produce donated back to Nevada that equal a value of $43,093.21
  • Over 50 volunteer projects around the state
  • Over 1,000 educational events hosted including help desks, educational presentations, workshops and demonstrations
  • 27,008 direct contacts through educational events

Get involved

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

Become a Master Gardener
Donate to the program

Featured publications and newsletters

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What Should Gardeners Know About Ladybug Releases? The Pros and Cons

A clear, balanced look at the pros and cons of releasing ladybugs for pest control. Learn why most bought ladybugs fly away, the ecological risks many gardeners overlook, and smarter, more sustainable ways to support beneficial insects in your garden.

screenshot of iNaturalist app

How to Identify Pests Using Your Phone

When dealing with a pest problem, one of the first challenges is figuring out exactly what you’re up against. Many mobile apps and online tools allow you to take or upload a photo to get possible identifications.

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A Gentler Way to Garden: Low-Toxicity Weed Control

This blog champions a cleaner, safer way to garden—one that keeps weeds in check without relying on harsh chemicals. It highlights simple, effective, low-toxicity methods like mulching, hand weeding, solarization, and targeted natural products that help you protect your soil, your family, and the environment.

Explore our publications and newsletters

Meet the leadership team

Katelyn Brinkerhoff
State Wide
Katelyn Brinkerhoff