Become an NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer
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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) Attend at least 3 of our Learn to Grow classes. Beginning 2025, attendance at 3 or more Learn to Grow classes will be a prerequisite to join the Extension Master Gardener program 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.
Our current scheduled Learn to Grow classes:
| Class Title | Date | Time | Registration |
| Fall Vegetable Gardening | Tuesday, July 29, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Register Here for Fall Vegetable Gardening! |
| Composting | Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Registration will be posted in July. |
| Gardening Techniques | Tuesday, September 9, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Registration will be posted in August. |
| Growing Ornamentals | Thursday, October 2, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Registration will be posted in September. |
Spring class offerings will be announced later this fall.
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.