Santa Fe Master Gardener Association

Become a MASTER GARDENER

What is the mission of the Santa Fe Master Gardener Association?

The mission of the SFMGA is to promote locally responsible gardening through reliable, current, research-based practices.

What is a Master Gardener?

A Santa Fe Master Gardener is an Santa Fe County resident who:

• successfully completes the MG training course by attending at least 14 of the 16 training sessions and achieves a passing grade (70) on all take home tests
• completes a 13-month internship (March 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010) by volunteering a minimum of 30 hours
• performs a minimum of 25 volunteer service hours annually to maintain Master Gardener certification and pays $25 annual membership dues

How do I register for the class?

Interested applicants may call 471.4711 to request an application to be mailed out.

When is the MG course offered?

The course is offered annually starting in late February and runs for approximately 15 weeks (allowing for weather related rescheduling). Usually there are two sites and times, an evening class in Eldorado and a morning class in Santa Fe. Interested students may call the Cooperative Extension Office (471.4711) at any time with questions and to have their named placed on the registration list. Registration for the course begins in the fall when registration packets are sent all prospective students at the same time. The classes fill quickly and students are advised to return their applications as soon as possible. Cost for the class is $150 which includes first year dues to SFMGA plus the course manual.

What does the training course consist of?

The classes run once a week (3¼ hours) for 16 weeks. NMSU educators and local experts teach the classes in lecture and PowerPoint format. Each student is given a permanent class binder that includes handouts for each class. After each class session, students are given a take home test. Passing score is 80 and students are expected to pass 14 of the 16 tests. Students are allowed to miss two classes without penalty but must make up tests for missed classes. Students successfully completing the training become interns for one year. All classes are taught in English.

What is the curriculum for the training?

These topics are covered: Soils and Nutrient/Compost, Basic Botany, Microclimates and Water, Principles of Xeriscape,Perennials, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs, Small Fruits and Herbs, Native Grasses and Turf, Entomology, Pesticide Safety and IPM, Pest Control, Vermicomposting, Fruit Trees, Ground Covers, Plant Diseases, Weed ID and Control, Evergreen ID and Pests, Vegetables, Drip Irrigation and Pruning plus an additional training on handling public gardening inquiries. If you would like to view a sample class binder, please call the the County Extension office at 471.4711.

What are the volunteer requirements for interns?

Interns must complete 30 volunteers in three categories: 12 hours of Public Contact (PC) in activities where you are directly advising and supporting the public on gardening issues, such as the information booth at the Farmers' Market; 14 hours of Hands-On (HO) work in one of our project gardens, such as the garden at the Audubon Center; and 4 hours of Organization (ORG) activity which is all non-gardening work such as planning, office support, committee involvement, phone calling, working at the Garden Fair.

What happens if I don't complete the internship requirements?

Students who don't finish their internship may elect to become second year interns on April 1, 2009, completing 30 new volunteer hours by March 31 of 2010. They may not carry over hours from year one. Or, they may accept a Certificate of Completion for the individual class sessions for which they have achieved a passing grade.

What are the volunteer projects Master Gardeners work on?

Master Gardeners act as a horticultural advisors to the home gardener and support locally responsible gardening in various ways, including answering gardening questions and diagnosing plant problems via telephone hotline or in person at regularly scheduled 'Ask a Master Gardener' information booths around Santa Fe. Master Gardeners also perform hands-on gardening for the Audubon Center Garden, Habitat for Humanity new home landscaping, the SFMGA Herb Garden,Eldorado waterwise demonstration garden, and County Extension Xeric Demo Garden as well as other garden sites in the community. Each season, new gardening projects become available for MGs to support. Our signature event, the SFMGA annual Garden Fair, offers amultitude of opportunities for interns and MGs to volunteer and use both advisory and administrative skills.

Can I receive MG credit for volunteer work with other organizations?

Students, interns and MGs only get credit for activities approved by the County Extension Agent with the agreement of the SFMGA Board of Directors. Volunteer hours performed for other gardening organizations are not eligible for MG credit. Master Gardeners may not receive pay for work performed under SFMGA auspices.

When can I begin volunteering?

Students can begin work on volunteer projects at any time after the class starts. All volunteer work counts toward internship credits, which must be completed by March 31 of the following year.

What are the benefits of being a Master Gardener?

The Master Gardener program is a fun, valuable volunteer activity, offering its members a sense of camaraderie, community spirit, accomplishment and continued learning. Master Gardeners are highly regarded in the community and enjoy a host of benefits that include:

• membership in a group of committed, talented, like-minded individuals who share a passion for gardening and with whom a gardening dialogue is always available
• training in research-based and locally responsible horticultural practices
• access to information and learning opportunities with NMSU educators and other experts in the field including authors, local nurserymen and specialists
• the prestige and recognition for being part of an internationally respected organization
• the opportunity to be of genuine service to homeowners, schools and organizations in the community that need horticulture information and support
• invaluable hands-on experience and learning through gardening events, classes and work projects available to MasterGardeners only

What other skills does the SFMGA need besides gardening?

We have lots of opportunities for Students, Interns and Master Gardeners to contribute administrative and organizational skills as project leaders, writers, computer techies, social organizers, graphic designers, teachers, garden designers, carpenters and many others. Please check the areas you can help on the last page of the application.

What else do Master Gardeners do besides volunteer?

We have fun! We have quarterly potlucks that are famous for delicious food and good times. Our continuing education fieldtrips are always great learning experiences and one of the best ways to meet other members. We often get invited to programs and events of other organizations, again another way to learn and make new acquaintances. It takes a lot of folks to make SFMGA successful and we try always to have a good time doing it.

Who runs the Master Gardener organization?

The SFMGA operates under the auspices of Patrick Torres, County Extension Agent and, as such, exists to support the NMSU Cooperative Extension Service in their mission. SFMGA is a membership drive, nonprofit organization guided by a board of directors and governed by bylaws. In addition to the board, project leaders and committee heads support the activities of the organization.

We welcome you to join the ranks of Master Gardeners. Thanks for your interest in gardening your willingness to share your skills with the Santa Fe Master Gardener Association. Please call if you have any questions.