Photo of Nicole Hansen, Extension

Nicole Hansen

Community Based Instructor IV
She/Her

Summary

Nicole is a Las Vegas Native who has dedicated much of her career to teaching the Las Vegas Community about the benefits and ease of gardening in an arid climate. Nicole has taught all youth age groups and continuing education for adults. Her prior career experience includes delivering school garden company curriculum to youth at various Clark County School District Elementary and Middle Schools. Her wealth of knowledge about gardening in the Mojave is an essential contribution to her current role as a Community Based Instructor for the Youth Horticulture Education Program at Extension. She is fondly referred to as “the plant whisperer” by her colleagues due her wealth of information about plant science topics. Nicole received her Associates Degree in Horticulture from the College of Southern Nevada and her Master Gardener Certification from Extension’s Clark County office.”

Education

AAS in Horticulture, CSN, 2015

Programs

Master Gardener taking grape inspection notes on a clipboard

Research Center & Demonstration Orchard

Researching new varieties of fruit producing trees, vines and other plant materials in sustainable ways for the Mojave Desert climate.

community gardening program

Youth Horticulture Education Program

Youth Horticulture Education Program is the premier program of horticulture projects that involve youth, families and educators.

News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Recipes
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
Videos
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
Nicole Hansen
All About Aphids!
Aphids are one of the most common garden and landscape pests. Here are a few tips on control.
Hansen, N. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
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
Okra flowers and fruits
Okra
YHEP Instructor Nicole Hansen shows you how to feel like a professional gardener by growing Okra!
Hansen, N. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
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
Beans seeds in jar
Propagation by Seed
Learn how to properly plant a seed!
Hansen, N. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
Nicole with stems for propagation
Propagation of Stems and Leaves
Nicole Hansen, of the Youth Horticulture Education Program, teaches how to propagate plants by stem and leaf cuttings.
Hansen, N. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
Nicole Hansen
Something Special is Coming From YHEP!
YHEP and Texas A&M University have something very special coming up. Stay Tuned!
Hansen, N. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
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