Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program

🌱 Free Milkweeds are Back! 🌱

Applications are now open for our Free Milkweeds programs for spring 2026!

Monarch Watch and partner nurseries are working together to distribute free milkweeds to qualified schools, non-profits, and large-scale restoration projects that apply to these programs.

By planting milkweed, you’re helping restore and grow habitats that support the life cycle of monarchs. And milkweed not only provides monarch caterpillars with a food source and a place for female monarchs to lay their eggs, but it also supports many other pollinators.

Check out the link in our bio (or use the link below) for more information and apply today! 💛

https://monarchwatch.org/bring-back-the-monarchs/milkweed/free-milkweeds/

Meet Carol Rustad, our first Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Spotlight!

She has been an Master Gardener volunteer for 21 years and has volunteered over 800 hours. Carol has mentored new volunteers, answered questions during the Backyard Farmer program, hosted potluck dinners and shared her knowledge of native wildflowers.

WHY DID YOU BECOME AN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER? I wanted to learn more about gardening from the experts in horticulture. I felt it was important to learn from people who had PhDs in horticulture.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY? Answering the phone at Backyard Farmer. In one hour, we each answer between 10 and 20 phone calls. It’s so fun talking to people and getting different ideas about gardening, and also helping them find answers to their questions.

IF YOU COULD ENCOURAGE SOMEONE ELSE TO VOLUNTEER, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY? If a person is a gardener, they meet people that have the same interests. It’s so enjoyable to converse with people who have the same interests as you. I have met many of my best friends in the Master Gardener program.

🔥 Do you hate weeds? so do we. Fun Solution—flame weeding! Reminder: Safety First, Fun Second. 🌱💥

Did the Storm take out some of your trees...Now What? Part 1 of 3

Did the Storm take out some of your trees...Now What? Part 2 of 3

Did the Storm take out some of your trees...Now What? Part 3 of 3

You're invited to be part of the audience for a live recording of Backyard Farmer. We will be in the Raising Nebraska Building at the State Fair to answer all your lawn and garden questions.

Monday | Aug. 25
4:15p CT Question and Answer
5:00p CT Program Recording

This event is free and open to the public, but admission to the State Fair is required.
This program will air at 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 28 on Nebraska Public Media

Garden Center Bargain Tips | Smart Plant Shopping with Kim Todd & Terri James