Become A Master Gardener℠ Volunteer
Classes for new Master Gardener℠ volunteer trainees typically begin in January of even-numbered years*. Enrollment is limited to 35 students. Classes are a combination of virtual and in-person meetings held each Thursday morning from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. In-person classes are held in Raleigh in the building of N.C. Cooperative Extension – Wake County Center.
Master Gardener volunteers are expected to maintain their certification annually by volunteering at least 40 hours and attending a minimum of 4 monthly meetings as part of their 10-hour continuing education requirement.
Find the North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook (our textbook) at https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/extensiongardener-handbook.
You might want to become a Master Gardener volunteer if you like to:
- Learn about plants and gardening
- Best gardening practices
- Teach community residents
- Improve the lives of others
- Help to protect the environment
- Volunteer as a part of a committed team
- Research educational information
- Share helpful information with others
Please note that gardening skills are not required for acceptance to the training program to become a Master Gardener℠ volunteer. Just bring your enthusiasm for learning and your passion to help others grow in their knowledge of gardening!
*The training program that was due to start in mid-January 2024 has been postponed until a new Horticulture Agent is in place. We hope to start training in late 2024. We are extending the application deadline to April 15, 2024.
Please check back for future updates. We appreciate your patience.
N.C. Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity provider.