Extension offers Home Horticulture Certificate Program

Program provides information for home gardeners and those interested in becoming Master Gardeners

LAS VEGAS – University of Nevada, Reno Extension is offering its online Home Horticulture Certificate Program Aug. 7 to Oct. 6. The program is ideal for anyone wanting to learn more about gardening in Nevada and is also a prerequisite for those interested in becoming a certified Nevada Master Gardener.

The certificate program includes instruction on a variety of topics, such as soils, composting, native plants, small fruits, vegetables and pest management. Katelyn Brinkerhoff, statewide Master Gardener coordinator, said the online program was developed to be accessible to everyone in Nevada.

“Topics address information on gardening specific to northern Nevada, southern Nevada and our rural counties,” Brinkerhoff said. “The training is applicable to anyone wanting to start or learn more about gardening in the state. The program was created to help make people more comfortable with gardening in Nevada.”

The program is a self-paced online course that also includes live question-and-answer sessions via Zoom with specialists and local gardening professionals, from noon to 1 p.m., Thursdays, Aug. 7 through Sept. 18. The question-and-answer sessions will also be recorded for those who cannot attend them live. Participants must complete the online exam at their own pace by Oct. 6. Those interested in enrolling need to register online by July 28. The cost is $275.

After completing the Home Horticulture Certificate Program, those still thirsty for more gardening knowledge have two options for the fall.

One option is to enroll in the Advanced Home Horticulture Certificate Program, which is for those wanting more gardening knowledge for their own personal use. The program is self-paced and entirely online, running Oct. 30 through Dec. 18, with a completion deadline for the online exam of Dec. 29. The cost is $175.

Another option is for those who want to share their expertise throughout their community by volunteering. This is the training program to become a Nevada Master Gardener volunteer. Master Gardeners share their knowledge through giving presentations and workshops, participating in community events and projects, answering gardening questions at Extension offices and more. This program has the same self-paced online curriculum as the Advanced Certificate Program, but in addition, there are live question-and-answer sessions via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m., Thursdays, Oct. 30 through Dec. 18, and other in-person sessions, including labs, tours and workshops. The cost is $25.

After completing the online exam by Dec. 29, aspiring Master Gardeners begin their Master Gardener internship year, which requires 15 hours of continuing education and 35 hours of approved volunteer projects or activities. After completing their internship year, the minimum yearly commitment is 10 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of approved volunteer projects or activities.

Registration for both the Advanced Home Horticulture Certificate Program and the Nevada Master Gardener Training Program opens in the fall, after the initial Home Horticulture Certificate Program has finished.

For more information, email Brinkerhoff at ExtensionMasterGardener@unr.edu. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should contact Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, at plessick@unr.edu or (702) 257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.