2026 Haywood Gardener: Learn to Grow Series

Are you interested in learning more about gardening? Come take a class with N.C. Cooperative Extension of Haywood County. The Learn to Grow series and Lifelong Gardening classes provide our community with information presented by Horticulture Agent, Rachel Douglas and NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ (EMG) volunteers on a full variety of home gardening topics.  Classes provide research-based, unbiased information on current garden, fruits, and landscape practices.

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. You may register below via an online form or by calling 828-456-3575.  Register soon, as class sizes are limited. Registration for each individual class opens approximately one month before the class date.

Beginning 2025, attendance at 3 or more Learn to Grow classes will be a prerequisite to the Extension Master Gardener program in Haywood County. If you would like to know more, please read our page on becoming an EMG volunteer in Haywood County.

Start Your Garden From Seeds

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 10 am - 12 pm. Register Here for Seed Starting!Learn how to start your plants from seeds. This program is for the home gardener with any level of experience. You will learn how to select seeds, increase germination rates, create the proper environment for growing, and time when to start seeds and when to move plants into the garden. Techniques are applicable to annual and perennial flowers, and spring and fall vegetables. This program will be taught by Bonnie Refinski-Knight, a certified Extension Master Gardener℠  volunteer. Following the lecture, you will have an opportunity to practice seed starting and you will leave with planted seeds to get a start on your spring garden. Feel free to bring your own supply of seeds to plant into containers and any clean, seedling pots you have from last year.

Planning a Vegetable Garden

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 10 am - 12 pm. Vegetable Gardening Class Registration.If you are new to vegetable gardening or want to refresh your gardening skills, learn all about vegetable gardening with Abigail Anzelmo, Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer. Topics will include: starting a new garden, planning your garden for spring and fall planting; following a garden calendar; improving your soil; and composting. The class will involve both lecture and hands-on demonstrations.

Small Fruit & Tree Fruit for the Home Gardener

Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 10 am - 12 pm. Fruit for the Home Gardener Registration.

Learn how to grow small fruits and tree fruits in your home garden. This program is for the home gardener with any level of experience. You will learn how to select the site, prepare the soil, select plants, planting, trellising, mulching, weed control, fertilizing and pruning. This program will be taught by Bonnie Refinski-Knight, a certified Extension Master Gardener℠  volunteer.

 

Gardening in the Mountains: How to Garden in the Mountains

Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 10 am - 12 pm. Gardening in the Mountains Registration.

If you are new to gardening in the mountains then this class is for you! Gardening in the mountains presents challenges with lots of shade, cold winters, humid summers, lots of rain, clay soils, and much more. Come to learn some of the challenges for gardening in Western North Carolina Mountains and how to be successful in your gardening endeavors. This program will be taught by Rachel Douglas, Extension Agent, and Roxie Billings, a certified Extension Master Gardener℠  volunteer.

 

Learn the principles of landscape design:  scale, balance, perspective, rhythm and proportion.  See how one homeowner explains the step-by-step process of transforming 2,500 square feet of neglected lawn into a native, four-season garden.  Bring your questions concerning the challenges of gardening in the mountains when Mother Nature unleashes her fury – whether it be erosion, flooding or creek management. This program will be taught by Roxie Billings, a certified Extension Master Gardener℠  volunteer.

Native Plants

Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 10 am - 12 pm. Native Plant Registration.

Come learn about native plants and how to incorporate them into your home landscape. The class will review important terms such as native, invasive, and naturalized plants. The class will also go over how to pick the right plant for the right place. This program will be taught by Linda Crawford, a certified Extension Master Gardener℠  volunteer.

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Please also consider attending free classes at other locations around Haywood County where Extension Master Gardener volunteers will be guest speakers.

Haywood County Public Library – Both Waynesville & Canton Locations

Please contact the library to register for classes held there. Check out the library calendar for latest offerings!

Houseplants: 101

Wednesday, January 21, 3pm - 5pm; Canton Branch LibraryAre your houseplants happy? Cynthia Slaughter, NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer, will review the selection and care of popular houseplants. Registration is required. To register, contact Jennifer Stuart at jennifer.stuart@haywoodcountync.gov, or call  828-356-2561.

Houseplants: Beyond the Basics

Wednesday, January 28, 1pm - 4pm; Canton Branch LibraryCynthia Slaughter, NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer, will cover repotting and propagation. Registration is required. To register, contact Jennifer Stuart at jennifer.stuart@haywoodcountync.gov, or call  828-356-2561.

Houseplants: Pests & Diseases

Wednesday, February 4, 1pm - 3pm; Canton Branch LibraryCynthia Slaughter, NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer, will cover managing common houseplant pests and diseases. Registration is required. To register, contact Jennifer Stuart at jennifer.stuart@haywoodcountync.gov, or call  828-356-2561.

 

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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, N.C. Cooperative Extension will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: Rachel Douglas, rachel_douglas@ncsu.edu or 828-456-3575. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 10 days before the event.