Become an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer!
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Join a network of passionate community members across the state dedicated to learning and sharing research-based information, enhancing their communities through volunteer service, and connecting people with the benefits of gardening through education and outreach. Become an NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer!
The NC State Extension Master Gardener program is offered in 75 of N.C. Cooperative Extension’s 101 county centers. Some aspects of the program are the same across the state, while others are tailored to meet the needs of the county in which it is based.
In all counties, Extension Master Gardener volunteers work under the guidance and direction of Extension professionals to complete a 40-hour training program, pass an exam, and complete a 40-hour internship to become certified Master Gardener volunteers. To remain active in the program, volunteers complete a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education each year.
Contact your N.C. Cooperative Extension county center to learn more about your local program, including how to apply, volunteer opportunities, and when the next training course will be offered. Statewide, all Master Gardener volunteers complete the following steps to join the program:
Submit An Application
Becoming an Extension Master Gardener volunteer begins with applying and being accepted into the program in your county. You may apply to an EMG program in another county, but first preference is given to residents of the county in which the training is offered.
Contact the Extension horticulture agent at your local N.C. Cooperative Extension county center for an application form, application deadline, and schedule of future training.
Complete Initial Volunteer Training
Extension Master Gardener initial training prepares you to be a Master Gardener volunteer. The course introduces a wide range of horticultural topics, with a focus on finding research-based information and sharing the science behind sustainable gardening practices. Initial training includes:
- Minimum of 40 hours of instruction
- Taught by Extension staff and local experts
- Topics include soils and plant nutrients, composting, insects, integrated pest management, lawns, food production, herbaceous, woody and native plants, wildlife, landscape design, and more.
- Take-home or in-class, open-book exam
Visit the Extension Gardener Handbook online to explore the training curriculum.
Complete Volunteer Internship
Once initial training is complete, volunteers complete a minimum 40-hour internship to learn even more about horticulture and give back to their community.
During the internship, volunteers rotate through a variety of volunteer opportunities that support the educational outreach priorities of their local Extension center.
Become Certified
Once the 40-hour internship has been completed the volunteer is eligible to become a Certified Extension Master Gardener volunteer.
Maintain Certification
In order to remain active in the program, Master Gardener volunteers must meet annual re-certification requirements. These vary by county, with a minimum of:
- 20 hours of volunteer service and
- 10 hours of continuing education.
Extension Master Gardener Volunteers:
- Represent NC State Extension.
- Promote the research-based recommendations of NC State Extension.
- May only use the title “Master Gardener volunteer” when engaged in Extension-sponsored activities.
- Follow the policies and procedures found in the NC State Extension Master Gardener Program Guidelines
- Abide by the NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Code of Conduct