Coordinator Contact

Rachel McClure
Washoe County Master Gardener Coordinator
rmcclure@unr.edu
775-336-0274

Learn more about the Extension, Washoe County office

Extension, Washoe County Master Gardeners

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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. 

Two Master Gardeners gardening in front of the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

Contact a Master Gardener: 

  • Visit the office at 4955 Energy Way in Reno by appointment.
  • Desk Hours: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
  • Email them at ExtensionWashoeMG@unr.edu.
  • Call the office at 775-784-4848.

Helpful Handouts

Check out our Quarterly Newsletter!

 

Master Gardener Projects in Washoe County

Below are a few of the many volunteer projects Master Gardener volunteers are involved in.

Project Photo Address Description
The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

Master gardeners gardening on the grass in front of a building

100 S Virginia St. Reno, NV 89501 Master Gardeners have been maintaining the landscape around the Performing Arts Center for over 20 years. Take a stroll and discover the diverse array of plants that thrive here.
Northern Nevada Veterans Home

Two people standing next to a wooden garden bed. One person holding lettuce up to their face.

36 Battle born Way, Sparks, NV 89431  
Each week, Washoe County Master Gardeners collaborate with residents to plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables in the landscape, outdoor gardens, and indoor conservatory.
Extension Office Demonstration Gardens

plant boxes next to a white building.
 

4955 Energy Way, Reno, NV 89502 The Washoe County Extension Office features a native garden on one side and a raised flower bed garden on the other. Visit us to explore the variety of plants that flourish here. For a handout with plant names and descriptions, stop by or email us at ExtensionWashoeMG@unr.edu.
Ronald McDonald House Photo of a group of women standing in front of a grey house and holding a plant. 323 Maine, St. Reno, NV 89502 Master Gardeners have dedicated their efforts to creating beautiful, tranquil spaces of respite in the grounds surrounding the Ronald McDonald House for its residents.
Historic Huffaker School at Bartley Ranch Photo of a woman smiling standing behind a white picket fence in front of a white house. 6000 Bartley Ranch Rd. Reno, NV 89511 The Historic Huffaker School, located in the Bartley Ranch Regional Park, is rich in history and hallmarked by beautiful, brick-laden pathways surrounded by flower gardens maintained by Washoe County Master Gardeners.
Master Gardener Help Desk A master gardener showing some plants inside the extension office. 4955 Energy Way, Reno, NV 89502 Open to the public to help with horticultural questions and information Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Master Gardener Plant Sale A woman showing off some plants during the UNR extension master gardener plant sale. 4955 Energy Way, Reno, NV 89502


Master Gardeners cultivate plant starts in a greenhouse at the UNR Experiment Station, offering them for sale to local community members. We focus on plants and varieties that thrive in our local conditions, helping you kickstart your garden. The Master Gardener Program is primarily self-funded, and this initiative is one of the key ways we finance our efforts. We extend our heartfelt thanks for the tremendous community support we receive annually for this project.

Northern Nevada Garden Tour  


This self-paced, all-ages tour showcases homeowners' gardens in Northern Nevada, allowing participants to explore as many gardens as they wish. Tourgoers will be inspired by the creative and thriving high desert gardens, gaining ideas from these successful and inventive DIY gardeners. The event is hosted by The Rail City Garden Center.

Tickets: Available through Rail City Garden Center starting Wednesday, August 14 

Gardening in Nevada, The Bartley Ranch Series A man smiling wearing dark sunglasses standing next to a table with plants. 6000 Bartley Ranch Rd. Reno, NV 89511

Join us on Tuesday evenings from 6 – 8 p.m. in February and March (except on election day) at Bartley Ranch Regional Park for the University of Nevada, Reno Extension Washoe County Master Gardener program's "Gardening in Nevada: The Bartley Ranch Series." This free event, hosted by passionate Extension Master Gardener Volunteers from Northern Nevada, requires registration. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your gardening knowledge and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Article on Gardening in Nevada workshops and seed swaps

Master Gardener Teaching and Demonstration Garden Two master gardeners standing next to a square foot garden bed.

1595 N Sierra St, Reno, NV 89503

Located at the Community Gardens at Rancho San Rafael.

 
During the growing season, our partnership with Washoe County Parks and Open Spaces allows us to collaborate with the public and Community Garden members on effective gardening techniques and practices suitable for our climate. Visit our demonstration beds or attend one of our numerous educational events to learn more.

Thursday evenings 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. June 20, July 18, August 15 and September 19.

Spanish Springs Library Garden Talks  

7100A Pyramid Way, Sparks, NV 89436 

Join us one Sunday a month for garden talks! See the library calendar of events for more information at events.washoecountylibrary.us

June 20, 2024
6:00 p.m. - A Nevada Story - The History of RSRRP Community Garden by Martha McRaw and Angela White.
6:30 p.m. - Be Gone Bug - Northern Nevada’s Common Garden Pests  by Sara Marcus.
7:00 p.m. - More Than Just Bees - Pollinators in the Garden by Valerie Ojerman.

July 18,2024
6:00 p.m. - Beating the Heat - How to Protect Your Plants from Extreme Heat by Liz Morrow.
6:30 p.m. - The Trouble with Tomatoes - Common Tomato Problems by Deborah Whitehouse.
7:00 p.m. - Cool It – Planting Seeds for A Fall Garden by Elsa De Jong.

August 15, 2024
6:00 p.m. - Totally Tomatoes- What do I do with all my tomatoes? by Doreen Spires.
6:30 p.m. - Nevada Natives - Planting Native Species in the Fall by Ginny Smith.
7:00 p.m. - Perennial Veggies - Planting for Longevity by Victoria Dexter.

September 19, 2024
6:00 p.m. - Let it Grow - Using Season Extenders to Keep Your Crops Going by Milan Slikkeneer.
6:30 p.m. - Night, Night - Putting the Garden to Bed for the Winter by Jill Strawder-Bubala and Frances Munoz.

Junior Master Gardener Program  

South Valley Library
15650A Wedge Pkwy
Reno, NV 89511

Thursdays 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. May through June.  See the library calendar of events for more information. Photo and description to come.
 

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Washoe County's Leadership Team

Rachel McClure
Program Leader & Contact