Extension Master Gardener volunteer Avron Upchurch shares gardening advice with a Lee County resident. Image by Simon Gonzalez.
The NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ program is a powerful statewide network of trained volunteers and Extension educators working together to grow healthier communities through sustainable gardening education and outreach.
Based in N.C. Cooperative Extension Centers, which can be found in every county of the state, this network brings research-based knowledge directly to communities where people live, learn, and grow.
In 2025, more than 4,100 Extension Master Gardener volunteers:
- Reached 335,500+ North Carolinians
- Contributed 244,248 hours of service, valued at $8.5 million
- Expanded Extension’s capacity by the equivalent of 117 full-time staff positions
From pollinator conservation and local food production to climate-resilient landscapes and community well-being, volunteers are helping North Carolinians address real challenges with practical, research-based solutions.
Connecting People with Trusted Gardening Solutions
Extension Master Gardener volunteers are often the first place people turn for reliable gardening advice. In 2025, volunteers:
- Contributed 30,000+ hours staffing plant clinics, infolines, and outreach booths
- Provided direct assistance to 71,600+ North Carolinians
- Reached an additional 38,500 people through social media, mass media, and educational materials
These efforts help residents make informed decisions about plant selection, pest management, soil health, and sustainable practices.
Find help in your area through the Garden Help Directory.
Delivering Education That Makes a Difference
Education is at the heart of the program. Volunteers contributed more than 63,000 hours leading workshops, classes, and public events last year, engaging nearly 113,600 participants across the state.
From home gardening and landscaping to pollinator support and food production, these programs equip participants with skills they can apply in their own landscapes and communities.
Connect with your local Extension center to find upcoming events in your area. Explore online classes offered by the NC State Extension Gardener Program that are based on the Extension Gardener Handbook, the same curriculum used in Extension Master Gardener training.
Extension Master Gardener volunteer Joan Barber leads a tour of the Extension demonstration garden in Durham. Image credit: Allie Mullin, Master Gardener volunteer
Demonstration Gardens: Living Classrooms
Across North Carolina, demonstration gardens serve as living classrooms—showing what works, where it works, and how to do it. In 2025, volunteers invested nearly 57,000 hours cultivating and supporting these spaces to provide learning opportunities for at least 10,880 people.
These sites inspire and educate through real-world examples. Find a demonstration garden near you and explore proven solutions for your region.
Community Gardens: Growing Food and Connections
Extension Master Gardener volunteers are helping communities grow more than plants—they’re growing access to fresh, locally grown food and strengthening community connections
Through 17,000+ hours of service, volunteers supported community gardens that engaged 8,300+ participants. These spaces empower individuals and families to grow their own food and build more resilient communities.
Contact your local Extension center to learn about community gardens near you.
Community garden resources from NC State Extension include the NC Community Food Gardening Handbook.
A Master Gardener volunteer in Sampson County teaches students how to plant vegetables in a raised bed garden.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Gardening is a gateway to learning, and volunteers are helping young people discover its power. In 2025, volunteers:
- Reached 40,000+ youth
- Contributed nearly 9,900 service hours to youth programming
Through school gardens, camps, and 4-H partnerships, youth gained hands-on experience in science, food systems, and environmental stewardship.
Connect with your local Extension center to get involved in youth horticulture programming or the Extension Master Gardener program.
Supporting Health and Well-Being
Gardening improves more than landscapes—it improves lives. Volunteers contributed over 20,000 hours to projects that support physical health, mental well-being, and community resilience, reaching 40,300+ individuals.
From therapeutic horticulture programs to seed libraries and partnerships with community organizations, these efforts make gardening more accessible and meaningful for all.
Connect with your local Extension center to find out about seed libraries, therapeutic horticulture programs, and other opportunities in your community.
Explore therapeutic horticulture resources and online classes from NC State Extension.
Our Mission: Rooted in Service, Growing the Future
Across North Carolina, Extension Master Gardener volunteers are advancing our shared mission: to empower North Carolinians to cultivate healthy plants, landscapes, ecosystems, and communities through volunteer service that delivers research-based information, educational programming, and community outreach.
Join, support, or connect with Extension Master Gardener volunteers in your community—and be part of growing a healthier North Carolina.
