Become an NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer
go.ncsu.edu/readext?799429
en Español / em Português
El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.
Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.
Português
Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.
Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.
English
English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.
Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.
Collapse ▲Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers are an essential component of NC State Extension and assist local county horticulture agents in various aspects of home horticulture: from answering gardening questions to becoming involved with and teaching in school and community gardens. Volunteers are involved in a wide variety of activities throughout Haywood County and receive ongoing advanced training throughout the year.
Do you love to teach others about gardening?
Do you enjoy answering gardening questions? Are you looking to be involved with a vibrant volunteer community? Do you want to learn more about gardening? Would you enjoy teaching others about gardening?
Thank you for your interest in the Extension Master Gardener℠ (EMG) program in Haywood County! Please complete the following steps to be considered for the next Extension Master Gardener class:
1) Please fill out our volunteer interest form for Haywood County. Call our office at with any questions at (828) 456-3575.
2) New this year! Attend at least 3 of our Learn to Grow classes offered here in Haywood County.
The Learn to Grow series of workshops are open to the public (anyone can attend). They serve as a foundation for understanding research-based home gardening and horticultural practices for prospective EMG volunteers. The Learn to Grow series is presented by Horticulture Agent, Rachel Douglas, and NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers on a full variety of home gardening topics. Prospective EMG volunteers need to attend three workshops by March 2026. Attending as many of these classes as possible will further enhance your training experience. This a prerequisite to be consider for the EMG program in Haywood County.
All Learn to Grow classes will be held at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Haywood County Center located at 589 Raccoon Road in Waynesville. Pre-registration is required, and classes cost $10. Registration for each individual class opens approximately one month before the class date. Future class dates will be posted in the coming weeks.
3) Attend one of our informational sessions to be held Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.
4) Complete a volunteer application and return to the Haywood County Center. Applications will be accepted for the 2026 EMG class starting in March 2026. Applications will be due by April 15, 2026.
5) Applicants will be notified of acceptance into the program by May 15, 2026. Class size is limited so we recommended completing your application early.
6) Once accepted the class fee of $150 will be due by May 30, 2026. Training fee covers class materials, name tags, textbook, and state fees for the Extension Master Gardener program. Scholarships are available, please inquire.
7) Attend Class Orientation June 2026 and become an official EMG student.
8) Attend various EMG activities in Haywood County planned by our current certified EMG volunteers.
9) Attend class every Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. in October through mid-November 2026.
10) After completing 40 hours of coursework, EMG students become official EMG interns. EMG interns are required to complete 40 volunteer hours by December 31, 2027 to become certified Master Gardener volunteers.
11) Attend awards luncheon to recognize your accomplishments completing the EMG coursework and internship.
12) EMG volunteers must continue to volunteer 20 hours/year and complete 10 hours/year of continuing education to maintain their certification.
Connecting people to horticulture through science-based education and outreach.