Master Gardeners of Washoe County | Extension

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.

Upcoming Events for Washoe County

Garden Tour - August 2024

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	Address	Description
The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts	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 walk around and see what can grow here.
Northern Nevada Veterans Home	36 Battle born Way, Sparks NV 89431	Washoe County Master Gardeners work with residents weekly to plant flowers, herbs, and veggies both in the landscape, outdoor gardens, and indoor conservatory.
Extension Office Demonstration Gardens	4955 Energy Way, Reno NV 89502	The Washoe County Extension Office offers a Natives garden on one side and a raised flower bed garden on the other. Come take a look at what grows here. Come in or email ExtensionWashoeMG@unr.edu for a handout with plant names and descriptions.
Ronald McDonald House	323 Maine, St, Reno NV 89502	Master Gardeners have worked to create beautiful, peaceful paces of respite in the grounds around the house for Ronald McDonald residents.
Historic Huffaker School at Bartley Ranch	6000 Bartley Ranch Rd, Reno NV 89511	The Historic Huffaker School is located in the Bartley Ranch Regional Park. It 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	4955 Energy Way, Reno NV 89502	Open to the public to help with horticultural questions and information Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Master Gardener Plant Sale	4955 Energy Way, Reno NV 89502	The 2024 Plant Sale will be Friday, May 17th from 2 - 6 pm & Saturday May 18 from 9 am - 1 pm at the University of Nevada, Reno Extension Washoe County Office 4955 Energy Way Reno, NV 89502. Master Gardener's grow plant starts in a greenhouse at the UNR Experiment Station for local community members to purchase. We focus on plants and varieties that grow well in our local conditions and help you get your garden started. The Master Gardener Program is basically self-funded, and this is one of the ways we help finance our program. Thank you the huge community support we receive annually around this project.
Gardening in Nevada, The Bartley Ranch Series	6000 Bartley Ranch Rd, Reno NV 89511	Please join us Tuesday evenings from 6 – 8 pm in February and March (except for election day) at the 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 requires registration and is hosted by Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, people with a passion for gardening, who live right here in Northern Nevada and enjoy sharing their knowledge. Article on Gardening in Nevada workshops and seed swaps Event Registration: https://bit.ly/41JcXTc
Community Gardens at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park	1595 N Sierra St, Reno NV 89503	During the growing season, our partnership with Washoe County Parks and Open Spaces allows us to work with the public and members of the Community Garden on gardening techniques and practices that work well in our climate. Come by and see our demonstration beds or attend one of our many educational events.

Upcoming Events

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Read the Latest Newsletter List of Past Newsletters

News Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...
"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
Checklist of the Non-native Plants of Southern Nevada This fact sheet contains extensive information on non-native plants of southern Nevada by showcasing monocots, dicots, and aquatic plants Latinized binomial, common name, type, and many more. Ryan, M. and M.L., Robinson 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-05-05
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
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
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
Desert Gardening in Southern Nevada (2022-07) The Master Gardener Volunteers of Southern Nevada provides horticultural information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This newsletter of July 2022 is one of many resources of information available to the public to help accomplish this mission. Ruskamp, L.; Sgamma. R. 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, MG Newsletter, Edition 22-07
Desert Gardening in Southern Nevada (2022-10) The Master Gardener Volunteers of Southern Nevada provides horticultural information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This newsletter of October 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 22-10
Desert Gardening in Southern Nevada (2023-01) The Master Gardener Volunteers of Southern Nevada provides horticultural information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This newsletter of January 2023 is one of many resources of information available to the public to help accomplish this mission. Fisher, J.; Sgamma, R. 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, MG Newsletter, Edition 23-1
Desert Gardening in Southern Nevada (2023-03) The Master Gardener Volunteers of Southern Nevada provides horticultural information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This newsletter of March 2023 is one of many resources of information available to the public to help accomplish this mission. Deever, D; Sgamma, R. 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, MG Newsletter, Edition 23-3
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

Program Leader & Contact

Rachel McClure

Katherine Rueckl