Master Gardeners
The Valencia Extension Master Gardener (VEMG) program is sponsored by the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service, New Mexico State University, under the Agricultural Agent. The program's purpose is to serve the educational needs of Valencia County's urban (non-commercial) horticultural community.
Local experienced gardeners who reside in Valencia County are provided specialized horticultural training in exchange for a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service throughout the following year as directed by the Valencia County Extension Agriculture Agent. The program offers an opportunity for experienced Valencia County gardeners to gain research-based knowledge while sharing their knowledge and expertise in the communities of Valencia County.
Training topics include soil management, fruit, and vegetable production, entomology and pest management, plant pathology, weed identification and control, botany, landscape design, tree care, turf selection and management, and more.
Becoming a Certified Master Gardener
The following information is 'general' information and is subject to change.
Becoming a certified Valencia Extension Master Gardener (VEMG) requires serious dedication. The program typically begins in January, with approximately 50 hours of training sessions over 14 weeks. Applicants should know the basics of gardening in central New Mexico's challenging environment and be willing to learn the latest horticultural information. The purpose of training is not to teach you how to garden but rather to enable you to provide science-based gardening advice specific to Valencia County.
When the program is active, trainees' first task is attending training sessions and maintaining a 70% average on all quizzes. In addition, trainees and veterans have been required complete a minimum of 40 hours in horticulture educational community service projects approved by the Valencia County Extension Agriculture Agent per active program year. Other volunteer duties may include clerical duties and committee work.
in the past, each VEMG trainee must pay a $150.00-$300.00 application fee (subject to change to a lower or higher amount).
The NMSU Extension Master Gardener Program provides volunteer training by university specialists, enabling them to serve their community by sharing research-based information on horticulture, gardening, and pest management with the public.
Sierra Cain,
Valencia County Extension Agricultural Agent & County Program Director
Phone: 505-565-3002
Email: sierragh@nmsu.edu