Plant Management Systems: Urban Horticulture

ISSUE
Home horticulture saves water. Sandoval County is experiencing rapid population growth, yet many residents are not familiar with desert horticulture. The Sandoval County Extension Service's basic gardening classes teach general and specific classes for gardening in the Southwest.
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE
To make current information available to all who could benefit required reaching out to Sandoval County residents through a variety of venues. Classes, workshops, tours, information booths at community events, demonstration gardens, newspaper articles, farmers markets, web site additions, and printed materials were utilized. In addition to this, phone/walk in questions plus home visit helped troubleshoot problems.
IMPACT
All participants in the Sandoval County Extension sponsored events said their general gardening knowledge improved and they would change one or more gardening practices. Our largest city in Sandoval County suggested calling the Extension Service and Master Gardeners for information on using low water alternatives in a special mailing to all residential water users.

IMPACT - MASTER GARDENER PROGRAMS
Master Gardeners provide free research based horticulture information in Sandoval County. They are volunteers who learn advanced plant science skills from at least 40 hours of classroom instruction by New Mexico State University Extension professionals. After training Master Gardeners volunteer a minimum of at least 40 hours a year to transfer knowledge gained through media, talks and workshops. They answer phone calls, send out informational materials and develop demonstration gardens.

Richard Ng has signed on to support Plant Management Systems: Urban Horticulture within Otero County.

Weekly articles in the Quay County Sun have been pertinant to addressing those issues in horticulture such as pecan tree management, water saving techniques, native trees, improved variety vegetables and overall landscape management.
In addition, one on one site consultation.

Tomas Dominguez has signed on to support Plant Management Systems: Urban Horticulture within Quay County.

Many garden enthusiasts and small vegetable producers rely on the Extension office to provide valuable services that can not be attained else where. Learning techniques that will enhance these stakeholders production and improve plant health are important social and economic advancements that will enrich the lives of these citizens. The agent was asked to conduct several workshops on backyard gardening to the Sunshine Valley Garden club in an effort to educate them on gardening techniques that improve production. Participants gained knowledge on life zones, planting techniques, pruning, disease control, and plants recommended for Sierra County. Over 20 members participated in these workshops and several members implemented the techniques recommended by the agent. Stone fruit growers benefited the most and increased their production by 10-20% according to the participants. The agent has been asked to expand the program next year to include water efficiency and drip irrigation systems.