The New Mexico Master Gardener Program began in 1981 in Albuquerque. There are currently 15 New Mexico counties and the Navajo Tri-State Extension office with active Master Gardener Programs.

Master gardeners volunteer their time to help their local Cooperative Extension Agent teach appropriate research-based gardening techniques to others in their community. These experienced New Mexico Gardeners come from all walks of life to answer homeowner horticulture questions and in turn, help their communities grow.

In return for volunteering, master gardeners receive education from NMSU Extension Specialists, county agents, and local experts to prepare them to answer questions and teach others. The courses prepare master gardeners to answer questions from homeowners and other gardeners.

The program is taught every two years, mostly in the spring. The Grant County program will begin March 4, 2015. Interested individuals are encouraged to call the Extension Office at 388-1559 to learn more about the upcoming spring session beginning March 4 and finishing June 17. Topics will be covered each Wednesday evening from 6 pm - 9 pm. Specialists and experts will personally visit Silver City to teach their topics, such as soils, irrigation, general botany, composting, IPM, vegetable growing, suitable plants for our climate and altitude, etc. The fee for the course is $95 per participant. The fee covers the manual and the instruction.

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of an auxiliary aid or service please contact the Extension Service 388-1559. New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity employer. All programs are available to everyone regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. New Mexico State University and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.