Becoming a Santa Fe Extension Master Gardener

A Santa Fe Extension Master Gardener is a person who has been trained in basic horticulture by the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service, and in return, shares that knowledge with others in the community. Once trained, Extension Master Gardeners volunteer their time, experience and knowledge in a variety of Santa Fe Extension Master Gardeners (SFEMG) programs.

To become an Extension Master Gardener in Santa Fe County you will need to enroll in the training program which is sponsored by the SFEMG, Santa Fe County Extension Services, and New Mexico State University (NMSU). Classes will begin online in early January. Registration for the classes begins the previous November each year.

NMSU will provide 16 weekly classes that include pre-recorded presentations on topics relevant to gardening in New Mexico. The presentations are research-based and focused on our climate and growing conditions. The instructors include NMSU faculty and regional experts. The classes include resource materials, graded weekly quizzes, and live Q&A sessions via Zoom. Interns are expected to complete a practicum of at least 20 hours volunteering in a variety of local SFEMG projects by the end of the year. All classes are taught in English. Program information and class materials are posted electronically, so individual internet access is required.

Topics covered will include Botany; Soils and Composting; Climate & Water; Weed, Pest, and Disease Management; Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials; Native Plants and Xeriscaping; Vegetables and Seed Saving; and more.

Program format

  • The program is 15 weekly online modules, conducted through New Mexico State University, beginning in early January and ending in mid-April

  • Each module consists of a pretest; 3-4 videos; a post-test ( 3 tries to pass with 70% or better) and a Q&Q session

  • Interns need access to unlimited, high-speed internet using Chrome or Firefox.

  • Registration opens November 1, 2024.

Interns are expected to complete a practicum of at least 20 hours volunteering in a variety of local SFEMG projects by December 2024. This will give interns an opportunity to use the knowledge and skills acquired in the classes and learn from other local master gardeners. It is also an opportunity to meet others with shared interests in gardening.

The cost of the program is $200.00.  A 75% refund is available after the first week of classes. There will be no refunds provided after that date.

A refund check will be issued in the name of the registrant and sent to the address as indicated on the registration application.

All classes are taught in English. Program information and class materials are posted electronically, so individual internet access is required. Online lectures cannot be viewed using smartphones.

Individuals who have been master gardeners in another state and wish to join SFEMG should contact Terry Zane at sfemg1@gmail.com