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?
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, demonstration, and community gardens. Volunteers are involved in a wide variety of activities throughout Haywood County and receive ongoing advanced training throughout the year.
If you are interested 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) Complete a volunteer application and return to the Haywood County Center. Applications will be due by November 1, 2026.
Haywood EMG Application 2026 (Word Document)
3) Applicants will be notified of acceptance into the program in November 2026. Class size is limited so we recommend completing your application early.
4) Once accepted the class fee of $150 will be due by December 1, 2026. Training fee covers class materials, name tags, textbook, and state fees for the Extension Master Gardener program. Scholarships are available, please inquire.
5) Attend class every Thursday morning from 9 am - 12 pm in January through April 2027. There will also be one Saturday field trip in March.
6) 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.
7) 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.
