Who are Master Gardeners?

Master Gardeners are volunteers who have been trained in the finer points of gardening to improve their own knowledge and to share it with others. Master Gardeners provide free, research-based horticulture information to Nevadans. As volunteers, Master Gardeners contribute volunteer hours every year through a variety of projects, including but not limited to: answering telephone and email inquiries, staffing booths at fairs and home shows, conducting educational presentations in the community and consulting at school and community gardens.

What Master Gardeners can do for you:

  • Plant Diagnostic Services
  • Plant and Insect Identification
  • Other gardening and landscaping information

Contact a Master Gardener:

Master Gardners Seedling Sale 2022!

  • Friday, May 20th, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

  • Saturday, May 21st, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

  • Washoe County Extension parking lot

  • Various annual veggies, herbs and flowers.

  • While supplies last

  • Cash or check only

Photo of plant seedlings, people smelling plants and a woman sanding behind seedling plants.

 
Upcoming Events

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Read the Latest Newsletter   List of Past Newsletters

 
News Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...
purslane
"The Good Weed Series: Purslane (Portulaca oleraceav), Desert Gardening in Southern Nevada, Blog Posts 21-01
The Master Gardener Volunteers of Southern Nevada provides horticultural information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This blog post is one of many resources of information available to the public to help accomplish this mission.
 Deever, D. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Cultivated Palm Seed Germination
This publication identifies ways to germinate palm seeds, for both homeowner and commercial grower. Palms come from various climates including tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and desert areas. They have different germination requirements and the rates vary. This is about best practices for seed germination.
 Robinson, M.L. 2002, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Special Publication SP-02-09
Desert Gardening in Southern Nevada (2021-05)
The Master Gardener Volunteers of Southern Nevada provides horticultural information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This newsletter is one of many resources of information available to the public to help accomplish that mission.
 Deever, D., Ruskamp, L., Perry, T., R Sgamma 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Newsletter, Edition 21-05
Desert Gardening in Southern Nevada (2021-07)
The Master Gardener Volunteers of Southern Nevada provides horticultural information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This newsletter is one of many resources of information available to the public to help accomplish this mission.
 Braxton Perry, T., Camp, D., Ruskamp, L., Sgamma, R. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, MG Newsletter, Edition 21-07
Desert Gardening in Southern Nevada (2021-09)
The Master Gardener Volunteers of Southern Nevada provides horticultural information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This newsletter is one of many resources of information available to the public to help accomplish this mission.
 Parsons, D., Ruskamp, L., Sgamma, R. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, MG Newsletter, Edition 21-09
dandillion
Desert Gardening in Southern Nevada (2022-01)
The Master Gardener Volunteers of Southern Nevada provides horticultural information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This newsletter is one of many resources of information available to the public to help accomplish this mission.
 Deever, D.; Ruskamp, L.; Sgamma, R. 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, MG Newsletter, Edition 22-01
Roses blooming in spring.
Desert Gardening in Southern Nevada (2022-03)
The Master Gardener Volunteers of Southern Nevada provides horticultural information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This newsletter of March 2022 is one of many resources of information available to the public to help accomplish this mission.
 Kafantaris, J., Sgamma, R 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, MG Newsletter, Edition 22-03
This is a test
El Cuidado de las Plantas de Interior
Esta breve hoja informativa le da al lector una mejor comprensión de los requisitos básicos para el éxito en el cultivo de plantas domésticas que incluye recomendaciones para plantas de interior que funcionan bien en el desierto suroeste.
 Robinson, M.L. and Roberts, A. 1999, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno FS 99-59
Fruit, Flower and Seed Vegetable Varieties for the Moapa and Virgin Valleys
The purpose of this publication is to emphasize the selected vegetable varieties or cultivars (seeds/plants) that may perform better than others in the Moapa and Virgin Valleys.
 Bishop, C. and Stoesser, D. 2013, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-05
Cucumbers
Grow Cucumbers in the Mojave Desert
Join YHEP Instructor Nicole Hansen at the San Miguel Community Garden, as she shows you how you can grow cucumbers here in the Mojave Desert.
 Hansen, N. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
Tomato plants in garden
Grow Tomatoes in the Mojave Desert
This week YHEP Instructor, Nicole Hansen shows you how you can grow tomatoes successfully here in the Mojave Desert.
 Hansen, N. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
Leaf Vegetable Varieties for the Moapa and Virgin Valleys
The purpose of this publication is to emphasize the selected vegetable varieties or cultivars (seeds/plants) that may perform better than others in the Moapa and Virgin Valleys.
 Bishop, C. and Stoesser, D. 2013, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-06
Nicole Hansen with Sunscreen
PPE for Summer Gardening and Crops for the Desert Summers - Peppers
The Mojave Desert is a unique growing environment. With summer temperatures that can go over 110 degrees Fahrenheit it is imperative that you use the "Right Plant, Right Place" theory. Community-Based Instructor, Nicole Hansen, teaches you how to grow peppers in the desert.
 Hansen, N. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
Problemas De Palmeras Que En Realidad No Son Problemas
Problemas de palma que no son. Muchas personas no están familiarizadas con el cultivo de palmeras y hacen observaciones que piensan que son anormales en el crecimiento y la apariencia de las palmas. Esta publicación aborda estos síntomas, el problema percibido y la explicación de lo que realmente está ocurriendo en la
 Robinson, M.L., O'Callaghan, A., Schaerer, M. F. 2011, Extension: University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-53
wooden raised bed
Raised Beds Can Make Gardening Easier
How to use raised beds to make gardening easier!
 O'Callaghan, A. 2010, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-33
Siembre Plantas Anuales Para Darle Color Al Paisaje
En el sur de Nevada se pueden plantar diferentes anuales durante todo el año para agregar color y variedad al paisaje. Hay anuales de otoño, invierno y primavera que prosperan, y hay algunos anuales de verano que tratan de sobrevivir. Esta documento ofrece consejos para usar y cultivar anualmente en paisajes domésticos
 Robinson, M.L. and Roberts, A. 1999, Extension: University of Nevada, Reno FS 99-62
Peach tree
Stone Fruits
YHEP Instructor, Nicole Hansen teaches you all about stone fruits and shows you how to care for stone fruit trees.
 Hansen, N. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
Harvesting lettuce
Team YHEP Presents: Hydroponics Harvest and Donations
Team YHEP shows you how we harvest and package our hydroponic produce for donation to our food pantry partners throughout Las Vegas!
 O'Callaghan, A., Braxton-Perry, T., Hansen, N., and Ford-Terry, I., 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
Field of Dandelions.
The Good Weed Series: Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Blog Posts 22-01
The Master Gardener Volunteers of Southern Nevada provides horticultural information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This blog post is one of many resources of information available to the public to help accomplish this mission.
 Deever, D. 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
rose rooting in bottle
The Rose in the Desert Southwest
A comprehensive guide on growing roses in the desert southwest. It covers soil preparation and planting, monthly care, pruning, and disease problems for growing roses. It also includes a easy to follow month by month care guide for roses.
 Mills, L., Johnson, W. S., and O'Callaghan, A. 2003, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno FS-03-15
YHEP Summer Recipes, Ep.02: Garden Fresh Eggplant Empanadas
Delicious summer empanada dish using hearty eggplant created by Tricia Braxton Perry.
 Braxton Perry, T. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
mullein in forest
YHEP: Common Weeds, Ep 04: The Many Uses of Mullein
Follow YHEP instructor Ian Ford-Terry up into the mountains as he hikes the cool woodlands in search of an ancient cough remedy!
 Ford-Terry, I. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
ian with joshua tree
YHEP: Conservation, Ep 01: Joshua Trees
Join YHEP instructor Ian Ford-Terry as he explores the relationship between Joshua Trees and their exclusive pollinators and how you can take part in the conservation of a Mojave Desert icon!
 Ford-Terry, I. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
ian with joshua tree
YHEP: Conservation, Ep 02: Joshua Trees
Join YHEP Instructor Ian Ford-Terry as he guides you through the process of growing a Joshua Tree from seed as part of a conservation effort to help save the Joshua Trees (and their very specific pollinators)!
 Ford-Terry, I. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
Ian with milkweed
YHEP: Conservation, Ep 03: Monarch Container Gardens
Join YHEP Instructor Ian Ford-Terry as he shows you how you can help protect the Monarch Butterfly by planting native milkweeds at home!
 Ford-Terry, I. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
Assortment of DIY hydroponics projects
YHEP: Hydroponics At Home, Ep 01: DIY 2-Liter Bottle Wicking System
Join YHEP instructor Ian Ford-Terry as he introduces you to the wonderful world of hydroponics, and walks you through the steps to make a DIY 2-liter bottle, self-wicking hydroponic system!
 Ford-Terry, I. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
fish and plants in tank
YHEP: Hydroponics At Home, Ep 02: DIY Aquaponic Ecosystem
Dive into this fun "aquaponics" project with YHEP Instructor Ian Ford-Terry! He will teach you the basics of balancing an underwater ecosystem and how you can grow plants using fish waste!
 Ford-Terry, I. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
Tomatoes in a 5-Gallon Bucket
YHEP: Hydroponics At Home, Ep 03: Growing Tomatoes in a 5-Gallon Bucket
YHEP Instructor Ian Ford-Terry shows you how you can grow tomatoes year-round in a DIY 5-gallon bucket hydroponic system!
 Ford-Terry, I. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
pH test liquid being poured in a jar
YHEP: Hydroponics at Home, Ep 03: Make Your Own pH Test Kit
Join YHEP Instructor Ian Ford-Terry as he walks you through the process of making your own homemade pH testing solution and pH testing strips out of Red Cabbage broth!
 Ford-Terry, I. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
Ian with microgreens tray
YHEP: Hydroponics At Home, Ep 04: DIY Microgreens Grow Tray
Microgreens are nutritious and easy to grow! Join YHEP Instructor Ian Ford-Terry as he shows you how to make a low-maintenance microgreens grow tray!
 Ford-Terry, I. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel

Washoe County's Leadership Team

Rachel McClure
Program Leader & Contact
Rachel McClure
Wendy Hanson Mazet
Program Contact
Wendy Hanson Mazet
Heidi Kratsch
Heidi Kratsch