Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.
Plant Management Systems: Urban Horticulture (Quay County)
Plan Goals
Increase knowledge base of constituents in the areas of horticulture, holistic gardening, small acreage farming, water saving techniques, and soil erosion.
- Owner
- Thomas Dominguez
- Related Plans
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Plant Management Systems: Urban Horticulture
Impact Reports
Urban Horticulture remains one of the most utilized areas of interest by clientele in quay County. The years busiest times include spring, summer and fall. At these times the majority of phone calls to this reporting agent pertain to a variety of gardening and home landscape issues. Such questions include but are not limited to pest and disease management, watering techniques and scheduling, variety selections, fertilizer requirements, pruning, and variety selection.
Contacts are handled in a variety of methods. Phone calls are the most prevalent. Some situations require on site evaluation and consultation as well as handout information, demonstration and assistance. Most importantly contacts result in adoption of practice and behavioral change. Marie Thomas of Tucumcari stated “I feel the Extension service makes my gardening questions a priority.”
Quay County Extension Education covers four towns over a 2800 square mile area with a population just under 10,000 residents. Regular radio and print media are used to reach clientele and inform of timely and seasonal practices.
As a result of such a popular program area, educational instruction was as varied as the topics. Late fall of 2010 consisted of a Hoop House construction workshop held at the Tucumcari Community Garden. The day’s events included 12 volunteers sponsored by grant monies from USDA, Llano Estacado RC&D and City of Tucumcari. Since this workshop two producers have utilized the plans to construct their own hoop house. Five other volunteers are planning to build hoop houses within the next 3-4 years and implement this practice on their own farms.
Pecan programming for 2010 consisted of another years pecan show. Producers bring in a sample of each variety, they are then weighed, processed and graded for marketing. This program was held in conjunction with the pecan food show exhibiting recipes for pecan producers to use in their respective marketing program. Twelve entries were recorded for the pecan show with two advancing to the Western Region Pecan show in Las Cruces.
With the onset of spring, Quay County Extension produced a series of gardening programs for local and area producers. Every Thursday in April highlighted a topic of interest to gardening enthusiast. This programming was in response from clientele that requested information to grow vegetables for both home and Farmer’s Market. Additionally, gardeners interest were increasing in the areas of holistic and organic gardening, pesticide alternatives, variety compatibility, and drip irrigation technology.
One program was held each week. Four programs lasting 1.5 hours each attracted an average of 27 participants at each session. Subjects included “Better gardening soil”,” Organic Pest Control”, “How to purchase plant material”, and “Growing Award Winning Tomatoes”.
Retrospective post evaluations were submitted at the end of the series. Participants were asked to score themselves on the knowledge they had on the topics before the program and then score themselves on knowledge gained after the program. All of the participants stated to have gained some knowledge from the programs. 97% overall stated they would adopt skills taught at the series. Adoption of practice and behavioral change was rated at 96 % overall. “ Everyone who grows anything would benefit from these programs. Despite our dry weather, I can at least supply good vegetables for my family.” Stated local resident Pable Lopez.
Other activities under this plan include IPM Organic Gardening Walks held in September 2011.
Contacts are handled in a variety of methods. Phone calls are the most prevalent. Some situations require on site evaluation and consultation as well as handout information, demonstration and assistance. Most importantly contacts result in adoption of practice and behavioral change. Marie Thomas of Tucumcari stated “I feel the Extension service makes my gardening questions a priority.”
Quay County Extension Education covers four towns over a 2800 square mile area with a population just under 10,000 residents. Regular radio and print media are used to reach clientele and inform of timely and seasonal practices.
As a result of such a popular program area, educational instruction was as varied as the topics. Late fall of 2010 consisted of a Hoop House construction workshop held at the Tucumcari Community Garden. The day’s events included 12 volunteers sponsored by grant monies from USDA, Llano Estacado RC&D and City of Tucumcari. Since this workshop two producers have utilized the plans to construct their own hoop house. Five other volunteers are planning to build hoop houses within the next 3-4 years and implement this practice on their own farms.
Pecan programming for 2010 consisted of another years pecan show. Producers bring in a sample of each variety, they are then weighed, processed and graded for marketing. This program was held in conjunction with the pecan food show exhibiting recipes for pecan producers to use in their respective marketing program. Twelve entries were recorded for the pecan show with two advancing to the Western Region Pecan show in Las Cruces.
With the onset of spring, Quay County Extension produced a series of gardening programs for local and area producers. Every Thursday in April highlighted a topic of interest to gardening enthusiast. This programming was in response from clientele that requested information to grow vegetables for both home and Farmer’s Market. Additionally, gardeners interest were increasing in the areas of holistic and organic gardening, pesticide alternatives, variety compatibility, and drip irrigation technology.
One program was held each week. Four programs lasting 1.5 hours each attracted an average of 27 participants at each session. Subjects included “Better gardening soil”,” Organic Pest Control”, “How to purchase plant material”, and “Growing Award Winning Tomatoes”.
Retrospective post evaluations were submitted at the end of the series. Participants were asked to score themselves on the knowledge they had on the topics before the program and then score themselves on knowledge gained after the program. All of the participants stated to have gained some knowledge from the programs. 97% overall stated they would adopt skills taught at the series. Adoption of practice and behavioral change was rated at 96 % overall. “ Everyone who grows anything would benefit from these programs. Despite our dry weather, I can at least supply good vegetables for my family.” Stated local resident Pable Lopez.
Other activities under this plan include IPM Organic Gardening Walks held in September 2011.
Impacts for this have a vast range of areas in which several accomplishments can be measured.
The City of Tucumcari’s Community Garden has continued for another year with the help of a USDA grant amount of $2700. Other grants were also received for this noble initiative through state and federal organizations. America the Beautiful Fund and Common Ground Garden program allotted donations of seeds, plants, and equipment valued at over $1,200.
Volunteers included local and area neighbors, single parent households, underserved and poverty level income audiences. The garden also served a host of youth organizations seeking community service projects. Volunteer hours on the community garden totaled a documented 590 hours with an estimated value of $16.84 an hour (Independentsector.org) for a total of $9,935.60. Community projects highlighted during the 2010 growing season include irrigation technology, soil properties and fertilization, variety selection and holistic gardening techniques.
Pecans are a crop of increasing interest to local and area producers. With new varieties being developed through USDA plant sciences lab, Eastern New Mexico is becoming an ideal potential site for nut production. Program highlights for the 2009-10 year includes the annual pecan show. Area producers can learn how to grade and weigh pecans for quality, nut size, and percent kernel. Pecan producers are able to utilize this information for marketing purposes and increasing profits. Additionally, a pecan grafting workshop was held as a “hands on” management practice for incorporating newly developed cultivars into older orchards. Methods included whip graft, four flap method, and other orchard management issues.
The half day program increased knowledge of producers by an overall 87% throughout all topic areas of discussion. Producers stated they will implement such practices on their respective operations for the next growing season. Overall satisfaction with the information offered at the workshop was rated excellent to outstanding. Adoption of practice was rated at 97% among participants.
Horticulture contacts and on site consultations account for about 87% of all calls to the Extension office for agriculture. Topics range from soil science, plant health, disease, insects and water management issues to the home horticulturist. Programming included “Living on the Land – Small Acreage series”, Organic Farm Conference and Organic Farm tours. Presentations to Nara Visa Garden Club, local Altrusa Women’s club and assistance with New Mexico Pecan Grower’s Short Course.
The City of Tucumcari’s Community Garden has continued for another year with the help of a USDA grant amount of $2700. Other grants were also received for this noble initiative through state and federal organizations. America the Beautiful Fund and Common Ground Garden program allotted donations of seeds, plants, and equipment valued at over $1,200.
Volunteers included local and area neighbors, single parent households, underserved and poverty level income audiences. The garden also served a host of youth organizations seeking community service projects. Volunteer hours on the community garden totaled a documented 590 hours with an estimated value of $16.84 an hour (Independentsector.org) for a total of $9,935.60. Community projects highlighted during the 2010 growing season include irrigation technology, soil properties and fertilization, variety selection and holistic gardening techniques.
Pecans are a crop of increasing interest to local and area producers. With new varieties being developed through USDA plant sciences lab, Eastern New Mexico is becoming an ideal potential site for nut production. Program highlights for the 2009-10 year includes the annual pecan show. Area producers can learn how to grade and weigh pecans for quality, nut size, and percent kernel. Pecan producers are able to utilize this information for marketing purposes and increasing profits. Additionally, a pecan grafting workshop was held as a “hands on” management practice for incorporating newly developed cultivars into older orchards. Methods included whip graft, four flap method, and other orchard management issues.
The half day program increased knowledge of producers by an overall 87% throughout all topic areas of discussion. Producers stated they will implement such practices on their respective operations for the next growing season. Overall satisfaction with the information offered at the workshop was rated excellent to outstanding. Adoption of practice was rated at 97% among participants.
Horticulture contacts and on site consultations account for about 87% of all calls to the Extension office for agriculture. Topics range from soil science, plant health, disease, insects and water management issues to the home horticulturist. Programming included “Living on the Land – Small Acreage series”, Organic Farm Conference and Organic Farm tours. Presentations to Nara Visa Garden Club, local Altrusa Women’s club and assistance with New Mexico Pecan Grower’s Short Course.
Medium-term successes
Eddy County
Living Desert State Park, Eddy County Cooperative Extension, and the NMSU Extension Horticulture Specialist offered a Water Wise Landscape workshop attended by 38 citizens. This is an annual event that has resulted in increasing knowledge of plants and techniques to conserve water in Southeastern New Mexico landscapes. Attendees report successful changes in their landscape and irrigation practices as a result of this annual workshop.
Santa Fe (on-going projects) -
Habitat for Humanity has been using Santa Fe County Master Gardeners to design and install water efficient landscapes at the homes they build. The Master Gardeners then teach the new homeowners how to garden appropriately and conserve water.
El Rancho de los Golondrinos has worked with Master Gardeners maintaining a heritage apple orchard to demonstrate historical gardening practices to visitors.
Master Gardeners have maintained demonstration gardens and collaboration with NMSU Extension faculty (George Dickerson’s herb garden and Curtis Smith’s olla garden). This provides hands-on experience for the Master Gardeners who then teach this to their fellow citizens and to visitors to the demonstration garden site adjacent to the County Extension Service office.
CNM (formerly TV-I) – as chairman of the advisory committee for the Landscape Horticulture training program at CNM the NMSU Extension Horticulture Specialist was in a position to encourage cooperation between NMSU and CNM. Dr. St. Hilaire on the NMSU end and Paul Zalesak at CNM have developed articulation agreements between NMSU and CNM. Distance learning venues were developed so that NMSU professors could teach some of the classes at CNM and some CNM teaching could be made available to NMSU students as desired by the faculty.
Eddy County
Living Desert State Park, Eddy County Cooperative Extension, and the NMSU Extension Horticulture Specialist offered a Water Wise Landscape workshop attended by 38 citizens. This is an annual event that has resulted in increasing knowledge of plants and techniques to conserve water in Southeastern New Mexico landscapes. Attendees report successful changes in their landscape and irrigation practices as a result of this annual workshop.
Santa Fe (on-going projects) -
Habitat for Humanity has been using Santa Fe County Master Gardeners to design and install water efficient landscapes at the homes they build. The Master Gardeners then teach the new homeowners how to garden appropriately and conserve water.
El Rancho de los Golondrinos has worked with Master Gardeners maintaining a heritage apple orchard to demonstrate historical gardening practices to visitors.
Master Gardeners have maintained demonstration gardens and collaboration with NMSU Extension faculty (George Dickerson’s herb garden and Curtis Smith’s olla garden). This provides hands-on experience for the Master Gardeners who then teach this to their fellow citizens and to visitors to the demonstration garden site adjacent to the County Extension Service office.
CNM (formerly TV-I) – as chairman of the advisory committee for the Landscape Horticulture training program at CNM the NMSU Extension Horticulture Specialist was in a position to encourage cooperation between NMSU and CNM. Dr. St. Hilaire on the NMSU end and Paul Zalesak at CNM have developed articulation agreements between NMSU and CNM. Distance learning venues were developed so that NMSU professors could teach some of the classes at CNM and some CNM teaching could be made available to NMSU students as desired by the faculty.
Short-term successes
As reported in County Agents’ impact statements, specialist support of county agents and county Master Gardeners has enabled them to meet the changing needs of the nursery industry and home gardeners in their counties, to develop educational programs in schools and among the public.
Specialist support of county Extension programs have enhanced agent respect within the counties to the point that they are often the primary source of information that cities, counties, and other organizations use for referrals.
With specialist assistance Master Gardener programs in the counties are growing and providing increased assistance to the Extension Service agents as stated in the Agents’ impact statements. Master Gardener programs have resulted in significant teaching opportunities for county residents:
Lea Co. – Waite House – the oldest residence in Lovington was donated to the Historical Society and Museum. The museum then gave access to this house to Lea County Master Gardeners to develop a demonstration garden and access to the house as a classroom. This is a long-term and continuing project that provides landscape design and management demonstrations to citizens of Lea County.
NM Jr. College in Hobbs has been impressed by the Lea County Master Gardener program and has offered to provide classroom space for teaching Master Gardeners, advertising for the Master Gardener classes, and willingness to offer Junior College continuing education credits to people who take the Master Gardener classes. This collaboration began in 2009 and is continuing and growing. The New Mexico Junior College experienced a 60% increase in enrollment as a result of collaboration with NMSU and Lea County Master Gardeners.
Otero - Otero County Master Gardeners provided 6 educational programs to educate local gardeners about techniques for landscaping and gardening in a water conserving manner. They were provided NMSU publications and information. Through the year 49 Otero County Master Gardener volunteers provided 2269 hours of horticultural educational service to their fellow citizens.
Sandoval - A demonstration garden in developed in cooperation with city of Rio Rancho, Sandoval Extension Service, and Master Gardener has been highly regarded locally and nationally. In 2009 Master Gardeners had donated by the time of the county report over 2000 pounds of vegetables from this garden to two charities that distribute vegetables to people in need. The provision of fresh vegetables was a much needed addition to the foods available and the nutrition of program participants.
Master Gardeners provided well-attended plant clinics to answer gardening questions from 200 citizens annually. They conduct numerous educational programs for 500 county residents utilizing Master Gardeners, County and State Extension professionals as instructors. These have resulted in ongoing changes in gardening practices in Sandoval County.
Over 100 active Master Gardeners have contributed more than 5,000 hours of educational service to Sandoval County.
Bernalillo- About 200 active Master Gardeners assist the Bernalillo County Extension Program in offering horticulture education programs to the public. Many contribute more than the required 40 volunteer hours due to their commitment to the success of the program and desire to teach their fellow citizens. Volunteer activities exceed 10,000 hours in providing gardening information at libraries, the Downtown Growers Market in Albuquerque, 4-H Seeds program, the Organic Demonstration Garden, Tomato Fiesta, and various joint activities with the Albuquerque Council of Garden Clubs.
Valencia- Twenty-one Master Gardeners contributed 1, 297 volunteer hours in support of the Valencia County Extension horticulture educational program. The Master Gardeners maintained a demonstration water harvesting/container garden at the Valencia County Extension office using information provided by the NMSU Extension Horticulture Specialist and the County Agent. Master Gardeners conducted 50 plant clinics to provide educational outreach to Valencia County residents.
Los Alamos- Forty-two Master Gardeners volunteered 688 hours of a variety of horticultural educational service to county residents.
As reported in County Agents’ impact statements, specialist support of county agents and county Master Gardeners has enabled them to meet the changing needs of the nursery industry and home gardeners in their counties, to develop educational programs in schools and among the public.
Specialist support of county Extension programs have enhanced agent respect within the counties to the point that they are often the primary source of information that cities, counties, and other organizations use for referrals.
With specialist assistance Master Gardener programs in the counties are growing and providing increased assistance to the Extension Service agents as stated in the Agents’ impact statements. Master Gardener programs have resulted in significant teaching opportunities for county residents:
Lea Co. – Waite House – the oldest residence in Lovington was donated to the Historical Society and Museum. The museum then gave access to this house to Lea County Master Gardeners to develop a demonstration garden and access to the house as a classroom. This is a long-term and continuing project that provides landscape design and management demonstrations to citizens of Lea County.
NM Jr. College in Hobbs has been impressed by the Lea County Master Gardener program and has offered to provide classroom space for teaching Master Gardeners, advertising for the Master Gardener classes, and willingness to offer Junior College continuing education credits to people who take the Master Gardener classes. This collaboration began in 2009 and is continuing and growing. The New Mexico Junior College experienced a 60% increase in enrollment as a result of collaboration with NMSU and Lea County Master Gardeners.
Otero - Otero County Master Gardeners provided 6 educational programs to educate local gardeners about techniques for landscaping and gardening in a water conserving manner. They were provided NMSU publications and information. Through the year 49 Otero County Master Gardener volunteers provided 2269 hours of horticultural educational service to their fellow citizens.
Sandoval - A demonstration garden in developed in cooperation with city of Rio Rancho, Sandoval Extension Service, and Master Gardener has been highly regarded locally and nationally. In 2009 Master Gardeners had donated by the time of the county report over 2000 pounds of vegetables from this garden to two charities that distribute vegetables to people in need. The provision of fresh vegetables was a much needed addition to the foods available and the nutrition of program participants.
Master Gardeners provided well-attended plant clinics to answer gardening questions from 200 citizens annually. They conduct numerous educational programs for 500 county residents utilizing Master Gardeners, County and State Extension professionals as instructors. These have resulted in ongoing changes in gardening practices in Sandoval County.
Over 100 active Master Gardeners have contributed more than 5,000 hours of educational service to Sandoval County.
Bernalillo- About 200 active Master Gardeners assist the Bernalillo County Extension Program in offering horticulture education programs to the public. Many contribute more than the required 40 volunteer hours due to their commitment to the success of the program and desire to teach their fellow citizens. Volunteer activities exceed 10,000 hours in providing gardening information at libraries, the Downtown Growers Market in Albuquerque, 4-H Seeds program, the Organic Demonstration Garden, Tomato Fiesta, and various joint activities with the Albuquerque Council of Garden Clubs.
Valencia- Twenty-one Master Gardeners contributed 1, 297 volunteer hours in support of the Valencia County Extension horticulture educational program. The Master Gardeners maintained a demonstration water harvesting/container garden at the Valencia County Extension office using information provided by the NMSU Extension Horticulture Specialist and the County Agent. Master Gardeners conducted 50 plant clinics to provide educational outreach to Valencia County residents.
Los Alamos- Forty-two Master Gardeners volunteered 688 hours of a variety of horticultural educational service to county residents.
C. A demonstration xeriscape garden has for several years been a very visible and effective means of landscape water conservation. It has been highly regarded locally and nationally. In 2009 the Sandoval County Master Gardeners received the 2009 Search for Excellence Award at the International Master Gardeners Conference in Las Vegas, NV for this demonstration xeriscape garden they have maintained for many years . The demonstration garden was also featured on the “Gardening by the Yard” television program hosted by Paul James and broadcast nationally by the Home and Gardening Network.