2024 by the numbers...

31,772 Hours Volunteered
336 Trained Volunteers
13,344 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.

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.

How to become a Master Gardener volunteer

Impacts throughout the state

Get involved

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

Featured publications and newsletters

Gravel: Effective for water conservation and preventing soil erosion, particularly useful in arid environments with cacti and other succulents.

Sustainable Gardening in Arid Climates: Efficient Strategies for Plant Selection, Water Management and Soil Treatment in Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas gardeners can thrive in arid conditions by using drought-tolerant plants, drip irrigation, and weather-based controllers. Soil improvement, mulching, shading, and interplanting boost moisture retention, reduce stress, and support sustainable urban agriculture.

Skipper butterfly on a yarrow plant

Pollinator Plant Lists

Lists of pollinator-friendly plants for Nevada.

yellow iris in garden

Irises year-round in the desert southwest

Irises are surprisingly easy to grow, but advice online must be modified for the Mojave Desert and southern Nevada. Tasks to start and maintain irises in a home garden in southern Nevada are presented for each month.

Meet the leadership team

Katelyn Brinkerhoff
State Wide