It's almost time to apply for the 2027 class of Master Gardeners!
Become a Master Gardener in 2027!
Are you interested in gardening, eager to learn, and ready to serve your community? The Albuquerque Area Extension Master Gardeners (AAEMG) training program offers university-level horticultural education in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Important Dates
- October 6, 2026: Attend the 2027 Master Gardener Program Information Meeting.
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October 7, 2026: The online application for the 2027 program opens.
Choose the Training Option That Is Right for You
Two training options will be available in 2027. Please review them carefully before applying. More details below table.
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Option A: Master Gardener Certification
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Option B: Online Training Only
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Designed for
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Individuals who want to become Certified Master Gardeners and volunteer in the community
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Individuals who want to expand their horticultural knowledge without a volunteer commitment
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Coursework
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Online NMSU classes and weekly live Q&A sessions
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Online NMSU classes and weekly live Q&A sessions
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Volunteer service
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30 hours required during the intern year
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Not required
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Program result
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Master Gardener certification and AAEMG membership
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Certificate of completion only
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Cost
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$250
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$350
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| Application Link |
(to be opened on October 7 at 9:00 am) |
(to be opened on October 7 at 9:00 am) |
The training program runs for approximately 12 weeks from January through April. Coursework is primarily online. There are also ten optional 2-hour labs/field trips designed to give interns a more in-person, hands-on, and social experience - primarily during the same training time-frame. For those interested in other gardening topics there are optional in-person classes on Tuesdays which are designed for veteran continuing education, but interns are welcome.
Because course materials and assignments are delivered online, participants must have reliable computer equipment and internet access.
Option A: Master Gardener Intern Training and Certification
Cost: $250
Option A is the traditional Master Gardener program. It combines horticultural education with hands-on volunteer service and leads to certification as a Master Gardener and membership in AAEMG.
This option is intended for individuals who support the AAEMG mission:
Certified Albuquerque Area Extension Master Gardeners are committed to assisting the public with scientific and research-based horticultural information to enhance their education and experiences.
Applicants should have a strong interest in horticulture, time to complete the program requirements, and a willingness to serve the community. Certified Master Gardeners assist the Cooperative Extension Service by answering gardening questions and participating in approved education and community-service activities.
Training and Certification Requirements
Option A includes:
- Assignment to a Veteran Master Gardener mentor
- Online training taught by New Mexico State University faculty through the NMSU Canvas learning system
- Weekly live question-and-answer sessions on Thursday evenings from January through April
- Completion of all required quizzes with a score of 70% or higher by the deadline established for each training module
- A minimum of 30 hours of volunteer service from May through August, including:
- 9 hours serving on the Master Gardener Hotline at the Bernalillo County Cooperative Extension Service
- 21 hours participating in other AAEMG-approved volunteer opportunities
The Hotline operates Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
After Completing the Program
Interns who successfully complete all educational and volunteer requirements will:
- Graduate as Certified Master Gardeners
- Become Veteran members of AAEMG
- Be honored at a catered graduation luncheon
- Receive a certificate, official Master Gardener name badge, and graduation gift
After completing their first full year as Veteran Master Gardeners, graduates may receive a partial refund of their original intern tuition. The refund amount is determined by the AAEMG Board.
Following the intern year, AAEMG members must complete 40 hours of service annually through approved volunteer opportunities. Annual AAEMG membership dues are currently $25.
Option B: Online Horticultural Training Only
Cost: $350
Option B is designed for individuals who want to expand their gardening and horticultural knowledge but do not wish to complete the volunteer-service requirements necessary for Master Gardener certification.
Training Requirements
Option B includes:
- Online training taught by New Mexico State University faculty through the NMSU Canvas learning system
- Weekly live question-and-answer sessions on Thursday evenings from January through April
- Completion of all required quizzes with a score of 70% or higher by the deadline established for each training module
Participants who successfully complete the coursework and quizzes will receive a certificate of completion by mail.
Option B does not lead to Master Gardener certification or membership in AAEMG.
Residency and County Programs
Each New Mexico county Extension Service administers its own Master Gardener program. Priority for the Bernalillo County program will be given to applicants who live within Bernalillo County.
If you live outside Bernalillo County, please review the list of Master Gardener programs serving other New Mexico counties. Programs in Sandoval, Valencia, or Santa Fe County may be available to residents of those areas.
Learn more about the statewide program on the New Mexico State University Master Gardener website.
Questions?
For more information please contact the Bernalillo County Cooperative Extension Service at (505) 243-1386.
