Roots

In 1972, an under-budgeted Seattle area agent needed help, answering homeowner gardening questions for two counties. He recruited 300 experienced gardeners, got horticulture professors to teach their specialties, and certified the recruits.

From those roots, the movement grew, nationwide, and beyond, always neighbor helping neighbor. The SFMGA began in 1998.

SFMGA is part of the Master Gardener program run by NMSU's County Extension Services.

Master Gardeners at work

Our Mission

The SFMGA is an educational association that trains and assists the County Extension Agent in providing the general public reliable, current, research-based gardening information.

What is a Master Gardener?

A 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, Master Gardeners volunteer their time, experience and knowledge in a variety of programs that include:

Public contact: directly advising the public on gardening issues on the hotline or at an “Ask a Master Gardener” booth at local garden centers.

Hands on work: gardening at one or more of our project gardens.

Organization support: involvement in any non-gardening work such as planning, committee work and working at the annual Garden Fair.

Continuing Education: participation in educational classes throughout the year.

There are many opportunities for Master Gardeners to contribute personal skills such as project leaders, writers, computer techies, social organizers, graphic designers, teachers, garden designers, and carpenters, just to name a few. Our signature event, the annual Spring Garden Fair, offers many opportunities for interns and Master Gardeners to volunteer and use both advisory and administrative skills.

Master Gardeners perform a minimum of 25 volunteer service hours a year and pay a $25 annual membership dues to maintain certification.

Leaders

We elect Board members each year. Project and activity leaders may change from time to time. Download our Leadership Roster.