Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Service Across NC

NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers engage thousands of North Carolinians through their volunteer service, helping them to learn research-based practices and grow sustainable lawns, gardens, and landscapes. Here are some of our most in-demand volunteer service activities and their combined reach across North Carolina in 2023. 

Volunteers answer phones at the New Hanover County Gardening Infoline.

Garden Infolines & Plant Clinics


  • 27,693 hours volunteered across NC  
  • 71,078 community members engaged

Extension Master Gardener volunteers provide research-based information and recommendations that transform science into everyday solutions for North Carolinians through plant clinics, information booths, and garden infolines at Extension centers and community events across the state.

Connect with Extension educators and Master Gardener volunteers in your community for help with your gardening questions. Find their contact information in the Garden Help Directory.

Two women match insects with identification cards.

Classes & Educational Events


  • 25,555 hours volunteered across NC  
  • 69,584 community members engaged

Extension offers thousands of programs each year, including the Grow With Us series taught by Master Gardener volunteers in Guilford County, Garden Talks offered by Master Gardener volunteers in Wilson County, and the online Gardening in the Mountains series led by Master Gardener volunteers in Buncombe County.

Find your county Extension center to learn about upcoming events, explore Extension resources, and connect with Master Gardener volunteers in your community. Learn about NC State Extension Gardener online classes you can take anytime.

A group of Extension Master Gardener volunteers pose for a picture in the demonstration garden

Demonstration Gardens


  • 51,344 hours volunteered across NC  
  • 10,931 community members engaged

Master Gardener volunteers cultivate demonstration beds and teaching gardens across North Carolina to support outreach and education. Demonstration gardens can be found in many counties, including:
 Visiting a demonstration garden is an excellent way to learn about plants and gardening best practices for your area. Find an Extension demonstration garden near you!
Adults and kids interact with plants in raised beds.

Community Gardens


  • 16,455 hours volunteered across NC 
  • 7,325 community members engaged
Community gardens offer people a place to learn together while growing fruits and vegetables. Master Gardener volunteers support community gardens across North Carolina. Examples include gardens managed by Extension, such as the Briggs Avenue Community Garden in Durham County, and well as gardens that are the result of community partnerships, such as the Unity Park and Community Gardens in Caldwell County and Clayton Community Garden in Johnston County.

Explore community garden resources from NC State Extension, including the NC Community Food Gardening Handbook. Contact your local Extension center to learn about community gardens in your county.

Third graders gather in the garden for a plant lesson.

Youth Outreach and School Gardens


  • 8,803 hours volunteered across NC
  • 30,560 youth engaged

Through partnerships with 4-H, schools, and youth organizations, Master Gardener volunteers use plants to enhance science education and inspire the next generation of gardeners, farmers, and plant lovers. Volunteers in Buncombe County engage kids through a summer day camp. In Wilson County and Onslow County, volunteers host class field trips in their demonstration gardens.

Explore youth gardening resources and preschool gardening resources from NC State Extension. Contact your local Extension center to learn about 4-H and youth programs in your county.

Hands putting a young plant in the soil.

Therapeutic Horticulture


  • 7,487 hours volunteered across NC  
  • 9,840 community members engaged
Therapeutic horticulture connects people with plants to improve health and well-being. Master Gardener volunteers are involved in therapeutic horticulture programs in several counties, including those offered by the Ability Garden in New Hanover County, Bullington Gardens in Henderson County, and community-based programs in Wake County. 

Explore therapeutic horticulture resources from NC State Extension, including online classes.

Infographic with statistics for the NC State Extension Master Gardener program.

The NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ program is a statewide network of volunteers and Extension educators working in N.C. Cooperative Extension county centers and on NC State campus. Through education and outreach, we connect people with the benefits of gardening and empower North Carolinians to cultivate healthy plants, landscapes, ecosystems, and communities. 

Explore stories from our 2023 Annual Report, which celebrates our work to help North Carolinians improve their lives and grow our state.

Join, support, or connect with Extension Master Gardener volunteers in your community.

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Charlotte Glen